Chocolate Chip Cookie Math

What if you could do your math and eat it too? Chocolate Chip Cookie Math is not only a math lesson but a delicious and fun way to learn about estimation, comparing and contrasting, graphing, procedure, data gathering, organizing information, logical thinking and record keeping!

You will need:
Several brands of store bought chocolate chip cookies
Record sheet for graphing chocolate chips

Lesson:
Have your child wash their hands so they can eat the yummy cookies after they do their estimations.

Have your child take one cookie from the first brand of cookies. Record the brand on your record sheet and then have the child estimate how many chocolate chips are in the cookie. Have him/her pick up the cookie and turn it over so they get a full view of the cookie. After they have their estimation, have them break the cookie apart and actually count the chocolate chips and record the results. Based on this number have them estimate one or two more. Average the results. Repeat this with each brand (though you may want to stop letting them eat at some point hehe!).

When you are done have the student answer these questions:
1. Which brand had the cookie with the most chocolate chips?
2. Which brand had the cookie with the least chocolate chips?
3. Which brand had the highest average of chocolate chips?
4. Which brand had the lowest average of chocolate chips?
5. Which brand do you think had just the right number of chocolate chips?
6. Did these results surprise you? Why?

For extra practice you can have the child average all of the brands together.

For more great math applications in the kitchen try I Use Math in the Kitchen.

Apologia Astronomy Supplemental Resources

I know I have been the worst blogger ever these last few weeks. I will catch everyone up on our move soon, but now that we are in my parents house and in a school routine I have some time to share some projects with you!

This is our first year using a full on formal science curriculum. Last year we used Real Science 4 Kids Pre-Level 1 and loved it. It was just right for the stage that we were at. This year though, I decided to go with Apologia Astronomy for the first half of the year and Apologia Botany the second half. This post will focus on resources for Astronomy.

Before I get into the resources let me just do a quick non-sponsored review. We LOVE this science. I wanted something with real meaty information, just enough young earth creationism (I prefer to supplement in my own theology as much as possible, but wanted the book to have a definite young earth world view) and that was hands on. This science meets all three of those! We also added in the junior level journals, which like the curriculum, are fabulous!

This is going to get quite lengthy but I wanted to put all the information on one post to make it easier to find, and who am I kidding, it does better on Google that way too hehe. I will add to this list as we work our way through the curriculum. Some books will not be from a creation world view. I will put an (S) beside anything secular and a (OE) beside any Christian resources that take an old earth world view. I personally believe it is very important to teach my kids all of the views so that we can reason out together the flaws with the secular and old earth views. These will be appropriate for up to about 4th grade.

Reading List:

Non-Fiction:

Exploring Our Solar System: The Stars (S)

This entire series is (S):
A True Book Mercury
A True Book Venus
A True Book Earth
A True Book Mars
A True Book Jupiter
A True Book Saturn
A True Book Uranus
A True Book Neptune
A True Book Pluto
A True Book The Sun
A True Book Constellations
A True Book The Moon
A True Book The Stars
A True Book The Solar System

Answers in Genesis Astronomy Resources

Picture Books and Fiction:

What Does the Sun Do?
The Sun is My Favorite Star
Happy Birthday Moon
I Want to be an Astronaut
What's Out There?
If You Decide to go to the Moon

Usborne (S):

First Encyclopedia of Space
See Inside Space
The Usborne Book of Astronomy and Space
Living in Space

Internet Resources:
Solar Eruption
Astronomy for Kids
NASA Solar System Exploration
DVD Resources:
In the Shadow of the Moon

Supplies for Experiments from the Text:

Home Science Tools Kit
Creation Sensation Deluxe Kit

Supplemental Science Experiments:

All about the Sun  (S)
Make a Solar Cooker (S)
Make a Solar Still (S)

Astronomy Art/Craft Projects:

Make a Paper Plate Sun
Make Your Own Sundial
Make a Planetarium Box

List of Educational Documentaries

Picture Credit

Being a homeschool "activist" I love watching videos on education. It is incredibly interesting to get a peek into just how the system is run. As with all documentaries none of these are without some bias, but usually there is enough truth to make them well worth watching. Here are a few of my favorites. Be sure to check out Netflix if you  have a subscription. Many of these can be found there.

1. Waiting for Superman. Follows the story of five families trying to get into better schools (usually charters) through a lottery program. I highlights the pressures put on children to perform for standardized testing and entrance exams.

2. Children of Cesar. My personal favorite so far, Dr. Voddie Baucham addresses the topic of education and the Bible. It is basically a recorded sermon with some graphics, but Bro. Baucham is very easy to listen to, even for someone like me who usually doesn't care for audio or video sermons.

3. Indoctrination. Another Christian perspective on the damage the public school system is doing to our youth.

4. Race to Nowhere. This one hits mainly on the homework problem in the public school system. Is homework necessary and if so how much should each child have?

5. Teached. Controversy over teacher tenure and inequality in urban and minority areas is covered in this documentary.

Aluminum Foil Crafts

This blog is in honor of my friend Jessica over at Feeding the Family for Less. We had a bit of a joke about her doing a blog on aluminum foil. I got the feeling that she thought I should stick with writing homeschool posts. I agreed, but why can't I do both. So here it is, a homeschool post about aluminum foil:

The History of Aluminum Foil

All About the Element Aluminum

How is Aluminum Recycled?

Aluminum Can Crafts

You can use foil to make models or to do embossing crafts too!

HomeSkoolie T-Shirt Review and Giveaway

I am always looking for fun ways that we can let people know that we homeschool. Shirts are one of my favorite ways to do that. They not only let people know why my kids are not in school during the week, but they also can head off some of those annoying questions. I ran across Homeskoolie while browsing Twitter one day and let me tell you I am so glad I did!

One of the great things about smaller companies is the customer service details that are often missing in bigger companies. I was very excited when I received the package with the shirt, but was even more impressed when it came neatly wrapped in tissue paper with a bow. I know it sounds silly, but little touches like that can really give a great first impression! Even better was the product! I requested the Socialized youth small in bay as my review product. It is a gorgeous blue and I enjoy the fact that because of the color blue it is, it can be gender neutral. The cotton is 94% ring spun cotton and 6% organic cotton and feels Divine on your skin. The temperatures here in N.Texas get up over 100F regularly and so it is important that the shirts we wear be breathable.




I do have to point out that the sizes run a little large. I am fairly small, but am 5'4 and the youth small fit me perfectly. Also remember that youth and child sizes are different when considering ordering for a young child. Sizes are in a classic fit, women's fit and youth fit.

Clothing reviews are a bit out of the box for me, but I am so glad I did this one. I am really looking forward to see what other designs this company comes up with! In the mean time, I enjoyed wearing the shirt and look forward to seeing the looks it brings as those around me realize that my family is 100% guaranteed homeschooled and socialized! I am really looking forward to see what other designs this company comes up with!

Now for the fun part! Homeskoolie has offered me ONE(1) shirt to giveaway. Winner can choose any shirt on the website. In order to be entered for one(1) entry, you MUST visit the Homeskoolie website and tell me what you would choose if you won. None of the bonus entries will count if you do not complete this first entry. For one(1) entry you can Follow My Blog. For one(1) entry you can "Like" Molding Minds Homeschool on Facebook. For one(1) entry you can Share On Facebook or on on your favorite social media site (to share just cut and paste this blog into your status and let me know where you shared). For one(1) entry you can follow Molding Minds on Twitter. This is a total of FIVE(5) chances to win!

Please post a SEPARATE COMMENT for each entry and be sure to leave an email address for me to contact you at if you win! Multiple entries in a single comment will not count! Be sure to read the entry requirements thoroughly!

Winners will be chosen Monday, August 29th at 7PM central and will be notified via email. Winners will have 72 hours to respond.


US Residents Only. I was given one free shirt in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are 100% mine. Please take a moment to read my disclosure policy.

Octopus Lapbook Resources

This is actually a cake!!! How cool is that?!

When my daughter picked out a stack of octopus books from the library I figured it was time to go down one of those rabbit trails homeschoolers always talk about. Octopus lapbooks are not easy to come by so here is a list of the resources I found for this lapbook. Most of these will be from http://www.homeschoolshare.com/ and will be under the Nico's Octopus Unit Study.


Vocabulary Pocket
Singular and Plural Word Practice
Prefix Oct-
What Color Would You Be?
Octopus Senses
Octopus Defenses
Octopus Anatomy
Octopus Arms
Octopus Facts for Kids
Toilet Paper Roll Octopus Craft

Family Fun Magazine Deal

Disney's Family Fun Magazine is a great magazine full of fun crafts and recipes. Now you can get it for just $5! And if you are a first time buyer you can use the code DISNEY20 to get an extra 20% off!

Follow Me Friday Link Up

Picture credit

I couldn't find an updated one to follow so I am going to try hosting my own. This is just a fun way to meet new bloggers and to get your blog out there a bit more. So if you are a FAMILY FRIENDLY blogger and want to participate here are the directions:

1. Add your blog using the Mr Linky at the bottom of the post.

2. Post a small blurb linking back to this blog post.

3. Follow at least 3 of the blogs already linked (the first few will have to come back later in the day to get 3).

4. Comment on their blog letting them know that you are following from Follow Me Friday at Molding Minds.

5. Follow anyone that comments on your blog.

The last is very important as that is what makes this work! Any type of blog is welcome to participate as long as it is FAMILY FRIENDLY. Have fun and I look forward to meeting some new friends! Be sure to give the linky a few minutes to refresh before putting your info in a second time. It can take up to 5 minutes sometimes.

DISCIPLESHIP: TEACHING YOUR CHILD WHAT IT MEANS TO REFLECT CHRIST

Richele homeschools 4 children and has taught everything from tying your shoes to the laws of physics but nothing could prepare her for the mountains of laundry and the many blessings that would fill her life. She blogs at Under the Golden Apple Tree.

1 CORINTHIANS 11:1
Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.
Paul is speaking about being Christ like in his spiritual walk and encourages us to be Christ like in our walk.

MATTHEW 5:48
Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
In this verse the term “perfect” is not suggesting sinless perfection yet means “complete” as in having a complete love like God’s love. Meaning one should love those who love him and those who do not.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO REFLECT CHRIST?
To reflect Christ in our daily lives means we must walk in the spirit and exhibit love while always remembering who we represent. We are no longer our own but bought with a price as it states in 1 Corinthians 7:23: Ye are bought with a price; be not ye servants of men.
Learning that we reflect Christ daily is a hard lesson to learn for adults much less children. Daily we are faced with stress, trials, distraction, and the flesh. It is all too easy to forget we are ambassadors for Christ in this world when someone takes our toy, breaks our iPod, or disappoints us. Consider this verse from Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing:
O to grace how great a debtor
Daily I'm constrained to be!
Let Thy goodness, like a fetter,
Bind my wand'ring heart to Thee.
Prone to wander Lord, I feel it
Prone to leave the God I love;
Here's my heart O take and seal it,
Seal it for Thy courts above.

METHODS OF TEACHING CHILDREN ABOUT REFLECTING CHRIST

The Man in Uniform Activity
Show your child pictures of men and women in uniforms. For example, show your child a picture of a policeman and ask him who this person is and what this person represents. Ask your child to give you characteristics he expects from this person. Now ask him why he has these expectations. Most likely your child will view this person based on the uniform and the fact this uniform represents a concept beyond the person’s individual personality. Ask your child what he would think if this person acted the exact opposite of his expectations. For example, what if the police officer committed criminal acts? What if a doctor did not treat a patient but harmed a patient? What if a chef fixed the plumbing in the kitchen and did not prepare the food?
The purpose of this lesson is to bring the understanding that when one puts on a uniform one represents ideals which must be upheld or risks making all of those in that uniform look bad.

The Rude Waitress/The Nice Waitress
This activity requires play acting. Make a made up restaurant name tag for yourself. Invite your child to come visit your restaurant. Set up something simple in your dining area and have a snack prepared. Once your child sits at the table you will want to portray a rude waitress. At first your child may be shocked or laugh. After a few minutes or so of this play acting ask your child if she would ever visit the restaurant again. Chances are she will say no. Then explain that the restaurant consists of other waitresses and staff that may be very nice yet one rude waitress spoiled the reputation of an entire establishment. Now explain how a Christian represents Christ and while being only one person can tarnish the image of Christ in the eyes of other’s.
Next, have your child play the waitress. However, this time we want to play a waitress who represents her restaurant in a positive way, serves gratefully, and is filled with joy. Explain you would certainly come back to that restaurant and love to learn more about it. Ask your child to correlate the experience to a Christian representing Christ.

I Work for Jesus Name Tag
Make name tags for you and your child that say “I Work for Jesus”. Now go about your day. Whenever your child disobeys, displays a bad attitude, or grows slack in her countenance gently remind her that she works for Jesus.
This exercise is not to humiliate, demean, confuse, imply legalism, or chastise your child. It is a way of pointing out how actions we allow to pass by or not realize we are doing are unChrist like. It is to serve as a physical reminder that one is always representing Christ. Use your own judgment if you think this lesson would be lost on your child.


The New Kid in Town
This role playing game will involve one person playing herself and one person playing a new neighbor. The first round you will want to play a new neighbor who is fun, nice, and great to be around. After a few minutes ask your child if she would enjoy having this person as a friend? Could she envision having a love for this person?
The second round the new neighbor will be bossy, rude, and hard to like. Now ask your child if she would enjoy having this neighbor as a friend? Ask her if she could envision having a love for this person? Now ask her what Christ would want her to do? Would Christ want you to love this person? Does Christ love this person?
You do not need to act out these scenarios. You can simply tell a story or use puppets or other toys to tell the story.


©Richele McFarlin, 2011

Homeschool Workbox System

If you are new to my blog (or not) you need to know that we are still a work in progress. I have once again implemented something new that I hope will help with my chronic lack of organization. I had read about the workbox system a while back but it looked way to structured and involved for us. Now that I have a better understanding how customizable homeschooling is, I am giving it a try!

I rearranged the school room last night and moved all of our bookshelves onto one wall and the desk over to in front of the window. Yes, I know I have one weird little one, but until I can get another big one it will have to do.

The little one is actually perfect for the girls to have 6 boxes each. I used $1 shoe boxes I got at Walmart. They aren't quite big enough to put the larger books and papers in without having to fold them a bit, but I already had them and they work well enough.

I plan on using these labels as soon as our printer ink arrives. Wouldn't you know that I ran out today when I was all excited about printing and getting this done. We follow a block schedule of sorts with some days having certain subjects and others having different ones:

Mondays:
Bible
Math
Social Studies
Language
Spelling
Latin

Tuesdays:
Bible
Math
Lapbook on current science subject
Language
Spelling
Cursive

Wednesdays:
Bible
Math
Language
Spelling
Art

Thursdays:
Bible
Math
Geography
Science
Language
Spelling

Fridays:
Bible
Math
Lapbook
Language
Spelling
Cursive Practice

We would also do daily reviews for Latin and daily read alouds. Because our daily schedule varies so much, I plan on using velcro dots on the back of the labels. This will allow me to change them up each day and I think add an element of excitement with not having the same subject order each day. When you look at the schedule it doesn't seem like I have done many fun things, but Weaver actually incorporates many hands on activities, as do the lapbooks. I also plan on randomly letting them skip worksheets in favor of a themed activity.

Here are some pros and cons that I have come up with. I hope they help you decide if this might work for you and your child.

Pros:

Allows child to work more independently.

May reduce stress as the child knows exactly what is expected of them.

Helps keep parent organized and eliminates the last minute scramble of finding supplies.

I have been scouring the internet for ideas and am overwhelmed by the number of ways this system can be organized.

Cons:

Finding the supplies can be expensive depending on what is used.

Requires planning and restocking of the boxes nightly.

Takes space, though this can be minimized through some creative thinking (see below).


There are as many ways to customize workboxes as there are homeschooling families. From using files to the shoeboxes that we used, you can do what works best for your family!

The Mom I'm Bored Jar

If there are any two words that I dislike hearing they are "I'm Bored". Despite the overwhelming number of toys that my children have, the big back yard complete with trampoline and playground, the numerous art supplies and their siblings, my children never seem to have anything to do.

This could be the most amazing idea I have ever seen. The I'm Bored Jar. There are so many variations of things you can do with this that it makes it the perfect customizable summer idea! I sat the girls down and we came up with a list of about 50 different "I'm bored activities". I will have them pull a card and do each activity for 30 minutes. Once the card is drawn I will move it out of the box until all of the other cards are drawn.

Here is our list of I'm Bored Activities. Feel free to use it :)

Make a Puppet
Have a Puppet Show
Blow Bubbles
Write a Book
Write a Letter
Read a Book
Play Outside
Play Stuffed Animals
Dress Up
Finger Paint
Draw a Picture
Play Store
Chore (x's 5)
Snack Time
Go to Neighborhood Park
Paint Toenails
Computer Time
Play Doh
Tea Party
Simon Says
Play Animals
Trains
Science Experiments
Window Markers
Scavenger HuntSoccer
Hopscotch
Mud Pies
Bake with Mama
Music Band
Wii
Tinker Toys
LegosPattern Blocks
Write in Journal
Collect Bugs
Build a Pillow Fort
Make a Bracelet
Ride Bike
Sidewalk Chalk
Water Guns
Make a Movie
Board Game
American Girl Dolls
Water Slide
Nature Walk
Hide and Seek
Tag
Leap Frog
Follow the Leader
Take a Bubble Bath
Work a Puzzle
Mazes
Dot to Dot
Word Search

You will notice some of these are outside but I thought that limiting them to 30 minutes at a time would help with avoiding sunburns and heat exhaustion. You will also notice that I have snuck in 5 chore cards, hehe. We will probably add to these as we think of other fun activities. If you have any ideas for us please feel free to let me know!

I'm Bored Box: Scavenger Hunt

Picture Credit



It is 100F today. Needless to say we are stuck indoors most of the day due to high UV ratings. That is pretty much the norm for Texas summers and this year, it seems for spring too. With our outdoor time limited to early morning and evening time, that gives us a lot of time cooped up in the house. That, as you are probably aware, can lead to some cranky kids. So today, to break up the monotony of the day I made this I'm Bored Box. One of our activities is a Scavenger Hunt. The girls LOVED this activity and it kept us occupied for about 45 minutes as they read and solved each clue!

Here are the clues I made. They may not work in your house but there are sites like this one (thanks Monica!) that have more clues and even some picture clues for younger ones.


My legs are made of wood and top is of the same, your second clue is here if you want to finish this game. (Table, Chairs or Desk)


Sometimes when I am sleepy I go lay down my head. Your next clue can be found under a ___________on the bed. (Pillow)



To find your next clue add the numbers and walk up that many stairs.
4+3= (7)



You will have a SWINGing good time finding the next clue! (Swing)


That took you long enough, but this time I will let it SLIDE. (Slide)


You are doing really well and you have almost reached the end. To find the final clue look where we put the mail that we want to send. (Mail Box)


Yay You have done it, just one more clue to solve! Use these letters to find out what your surprise is!

EIC MERAC

__ __ __ __ __ __ __
(ICE CREAM)




Change it around to fit your home or re-do it completely with your own clues. Teach reading, math, logic, reasoning, critical thinking, sequencing, and team work all in one fun simple activity!

Willow Bend Mall Summer Fun Thursdays

The Shops at Willow Bend Presents Summer Fun Thursdays in June & July
The Shops at Willow Bend

Children and parents / caregivers are invited inside the cool, out-of-the-sun environment at the center to participate in free activities. The Shops at Willow Bend has filled eight afternoons with fun performances; each one is unique, inventive and sure to capture a child's imagination. The schedule includes:

All Summer Fun Thursdays begin at 1:00 PM and will be held in Grand Court (lower level near Neiman Marcus).

•Thursday, June 9: Vocal Trash. A Stomping Sensation. Back by popular demand, this high-octane stage group provides an afternoon of music, dance, comedy and audience participation just for kids. Like a variety show with Broadway flair, Vocal Trash will present Street Show, an electrifying show for children and adults that features acapella harmonies and industrial ‘Stomp-style’ drumming.
•Thursday, June 16: Wacky World of Professor Brainius. Two parts brainy and one part zany, Professor Brainius fills an hour with laughs and learning. The afternoon with Professor Brainius includes: Experiments, sing-a-longs and activities that require audience participation and hands-on fun.
•Thursday, June 23: Interactive Kids Exstravaganza. The fun begins right from the start with a live show starring a party host who from the opening of the show will lead the audience in exciting and interactive songs and activities from their favorite television shows. Followed by an appearance by one of your child’s favorite costume characters.
•Thursday, June 30: James Wand Secret Agent Magic Show. James will tell kids all about his exciting adventures as a secret agent magician. Along the way, they hear about his evil enemy, Dr. No-No and join James on an adventure around the world! With wonderful magic tricks, hilarious comedy and interactive entertainment, James Wand keeps the kids laughing and cheering throughout this high energy show.
•Thursday, July 7: David Chicken Live Show Spectacular. A heart-pounding, floor-stomping, jump-out-of-your-seat event that’s fun and healthy. David Chicken, a talented singer-songwriter will lead the audience through a high-energy, interactive performance filled with creative movement, motivational messages and general hilarity. Named ‘Best of Big D’ by D Magazine, the singer invites members of the audience on stage to sing, play musical instruments and be a star. Everyone’s invited to join the fun and learn to scackle!
•Thursday, July 14: Comedy Magic Show by Todd McKinney. Todd McKinney is one of the best magicians for kids in the Central Texas area. His high energy magic shows offer original and amazing magic, join-in-fun and audience participation for children of all ages.
•Thursday, July 21: Barnum 200 Birthday Bash, presented by Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey®. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® is hosting a birthday party and the guest list includes you! Join Ambassadors of Laughter, Slappy and Monday, as they celebrate the birthday of P.T. Barnum, the founder of the Greatest Show On Earth®, at the Barnum 200 Birthday Bash. Step right up, test your circus skills, and laugh at the hilarious antics of the clowns prior to the circus coming to American Airlines Center at the end of July.
•Thursday, July 28: Safari Sam is Calling All Planet Protectors. Join Safari Sam for a day of singing and dancing as we learn how to be “GREEN”. This show will teach all of us how we can help to save our environment. Children of all ages will find themselves dancing to funky music, and singing songs. This is a HIGH ENERGY family fun event. Followed by an appearance from the Berenstain Bear characters, Brother Bear & Sister Bear.

Lego Lesson Plans

My kids have buckets of them and we can never seem to have enough, I vaccuum them up by the dozens and my son likes to collect the little yellow heads and leave them in piles on the floor. What am I talking about? Lego of course! Legos are a wonderfully diverse manipulative that kids think are toys(wink wink). Besides the hours of fun provided by these simple plastic bricks, there are also hours of learning to be had! Here are some fun Lego lesson plans and educational activities I found.

Build a windmill and learn all about windmill architecture and renewable energy.

Center of mass-This activity explores the concept of 'center of mass.' It gives students a hands-on, discovery-based way to understand one of the most fundamental concepts in physics.

Use Legos to study geography.

Build a Lego boat and study bouyancy with this fun activity.

This can you build it? Lego lesson plan teaches cooperation and problem solving as one student describes the pieces needed to build an object as the other builds it.

Lego Math


Finally, my favorite Lego find so far is this Lego Lapbook!

For more ideas for Lego lesson plans visit Lego Eduction.

Magical Disney Memories

With our second trip to Disney World coming up and Heidi hosting a Disney Memories link up, I thought this was the perfect time to share our one of our favorite magical memories.

The girls were nearly 3 and 4 when we went. We had, had so much fun so far and as a special treat we were eating at Epcot with The Little Einsteins and Jojo from Jojo's Circus for breakfast. The girls were so excited! They had been Jojo fans from the first time they saw the cartoon and we were excited to see them so excited! I dressed the girls up in their Disney shirts and of course we donned them in the prerequisite Mickey Mouse ears. Because our reservations were quite early and because of the time of the year we went, Epcot was quiet. We walked in pretty much alone and were instantly greeted by a park employee. She asked us if we had a moment and without thinking we said yes.

Uh oh. Now we had gone and done it. We were going to spend the next 2 hours listening to a sales pitch about season passes, time shares or whatever other new "get you to come back" scheme they had. Karl and I both looked at each other and sighed, but neither of us protested as we were led into the building. The lady led us to a room in the guest relations building labeled "Guest Holding Room". Now how ominous does that sound? They were holding us, likely until we caved and bought the time share just so that we could escape the room! She left and Karl and I discussed escape routes, what to do if one of use dropped over dead from boredom, and ways we could incapacitate the crew member without seriously hurting her. About 5 minutes after she left she returned. This was it. She was about to walk in with a pile of paper work and handcuffs. We were sure of it. Just as we were gathering the girls up to make a run for it we got the surprise of our lives (or at least our trip!). Mickey Mouse was escorted in. And this wasn't just any Mickey. Mickey is spread through out the parks in various costumes, but this one was special. This was THE MICKEY. This was Mickey all dressed up in his parade costume, the blue sequin. I might have been holding back tears and screams at this point, like one of those crazy teenyboppers at a boy band concert. My girls were shocked into silence that I might have been worried about if not for the gigantic grins plastered across their faces. We spent the next 15 minutes having our own private photo session and getting autographs. It was truly magical.



I am looking forward to seeing what memories we make on this next trip with it being my son's first time to go. However, I am honestly not sure how we will top the day we got to meet Mickey Mouse.

Using Color in Your Art Giveaway

I am not sure I could ever have enough art books. My children are allowed free reign of the art supplies, under the condition they clean up after themselves. I love the creations that come out of having this freedom to create, but I also love teaching them about technique. The only problem is that I am not an artist, so I need curriculum that teaches technique but is still fun!

How do you tell the difference between primaries and intermediate colors? How do you know which colors compliment and which clash? Have you ever wondered why some colors make us feel warm and fuzzy while others make us feel cold? Using Color in Your Art!: Choosing Colors for Impact & Pizzazz (Williamson Kids Can Books) helps parents teach these concepts and more.

Appropriate for ages 9-12 but could be adapted.

Teaches with other children's art but also introduces famous artists work as well.

Doesn't require a ton of "strange" art materials. Just some paint, brushes and paper.

Now for the fun part! I am giving away FOUR(4) Copies of Using Color in Your Art!! For one(1) entry you can Follow My Blog. For one(1) entry you can "Like" Molding Minds Homeschool on Facebook. For one(1) entry you can Share On Facebook or on on your favorite social media site (to share just cut and paste this blog into your status and let me know where you shared). For one(1) entry you can follow Molding Minds on Twitter. And for one (1) entry you can like Like The Homeschool Exchange! This is a total of FIVE(5) chances to win!

Please post a SEPARATE COMMENT for each entry and be sure to leave an email address for me to contact you at if you win!

Winners will be chose JUNE 15th and will be notified via email. Winners will have 72 hours to respond.

*Note: I am currently in the process of swapping from a group page to a fan page on facebook. You MUST LIKE THE FAN PAGE for your entry to count. The group page will be changed over to just North Texas homeschoolers in a few weeks so feel free to unlike the group page once you have liked the fan page.

US Residents Only. I was not compensated for this post. I picked these books up personally to giveaway. All opinions are 100% mine. Please take a moment to read my disclosure policy.

Summer Curriculum Choices with Quick Reviews

I went to the Arlington Homeschool Book Fair with a list. I was organized and had a plan. Then I got there, and the plan went out the window. I mean seriously! Do you know how many vendors are at a typical homeschool book fair? It is unreal. I went with the full intention of getting the next level of Abeka. I browsed and picked out my books. Then the lady tells me that they don't keep stock. Now maybe this isn't the best reason to ditch a well researched and thought out curriculum choice, but I did. I walked around the corner and found Rod and Staff. I ended up purchasing the full year of language arts for both the girls.

I'm pretty excited about all of the things we are trying this year so for those of you still deciding here is what we are going with for this "semester":

Language Arts, Spelling and Reading: Rod and Staff

Coming from Abeka I thought we pretty much had intense covered. I was wrong. The 1st grade is starting a bit below where Keira is, but it picks up quickly. Brianna is struggling with her attitude with the new stuff. Not because she doesn't know the work, but more because there is so much of it compared to the Abeka. Each lesson consists of 2 phonics pages and 4 reading. She is thriving on it though and once I get her past the tantrums of having to do the pages, I think she will match very well with it. It gives a good phonemic base and has them reading stories that are very Bible based. Even better is it is reasonably priced.


Latin: Song School Latin

We will actually start this on Monday and do it either once or twice a week. I haven't decided yet. It's very basic, using songs and chants to learn vocabulary. The one thing I am worried about is the apparently huge jump between Song School and Latin for Children Book A. I have heard that they are working on Song School Latin Book 2 though. For the cost, this one is definitely worth exploring.

Bible, Science, History and Social Studies: The Weaver Volume 1

This is every parents dream, especially if you have more than one spread over multiple levels. It literally takes these 4 subjects (also included are Language Arts and Creative Writing. We will are not using the Language arts because I didn't feel it was comprehensive enough. The creative writing we wing by using journals and just writing what is interesting to us), and weaves them together. One just flows into the other. Best of all every child stays on the same topic while Weaver adjusts the difficulty to that level! Here is an example of both ideas. One day your Bible lesson is about the wise and the foolish man. You read the Bible story and talk about how Jesus is our foundation and so on. Then you go outside and collect soil samples. You pour water on them and talk about the result. The younger children then talk about things needed to build a good strong house and then build one out of Legos or what ever. Middle elementary makes a list of materials needed to build a strong building, and upper writes a paragraph on what it takes to build a strong building. Now these are just my examples (though some of these are things we have done with Weaver), but you get the idea. For a more comprehensive review you can visit Christa's Weaver Review Here.

Cursive: TBD

I just haven't found anything I love so at the moment cursive is random bits of copy work.

Art: Artistic Pursuits Book 2

We love this art. It gives us the perfect mix of art appreciation and art instructions. And it's real art. I don't feel like I need to be an artist myself to teach this book. However, I have heard some parents say they prefer more art instruction so be sure to check the book out before you buy!

Lot's of Lapbooks:

Because Weaver is designed to last 9 months and we are stretching it to a year (blog coming soon!) we will be adding in lapbooks as a fun way to supplement. Currclick offers lots of fun and sometimes FREE LAPBOOKS.

One of the great things about homeschooling is getting to start fresh and change up the things that didn't work for you. I am very excited and am looking forward to sharing how everything worked for us!

30 Day Pantry Challenge :Cream of Mushroom Gravy

I am starting to need to be a bit more creative as the days go by. I haven't been as strict as I was hoping to be, but parts of my stockpile are finally starting to dwindle. That is except the "cream of" soups. I really wanted breakfast for dinner so tonight I am going to use this recipe to make cream of mushroom sausage gravy. Gravy seems like the perfect way to use up some of these cans! How do you use your "cream of" soups?

Well Planned Day Planner Review and Giveaway

This post has been manually restored so comments placed before the blogger glitches will not show. However, I have all of them recorded through my email so if you have already entered you do not need to re-enter!

This could be one of my favorite review items. Seriously. The Well Planned day has taken my lesson planning from chaotic to organized. I am a writer. I love to make lists and write out plans. This planner has satisfied everyone of those needs, while being extremely easy to use. On top of that, this planner is just plain pretty!



PREVIEW PLANNER HERE
Ok so being pretty isn't the best reason to buy something, so let me give you all of the other reasons to buy it:

Planner is spiral bound and hole punched making it easy to either turn the pages as is or move to a binder.

Runs July through June so that those of us who do school year around can use it without having to fill in the missing summer months.

230 full color pages not only hold the planner, but a myriad of other resources such as home management, budgeting and grocery lists.

Encouraging essays at the beginning of each chapter are such a nice way to be lifted up during the school year. The weekly catechisms(based on the Westminster Confessions)a great way to enrich your Bible study. There are a few I do not agree with but they are easily skipped.

Plan space for up to four children, and extra space if you don't have four.


NEW in 2011, Holiday Organization Section: Greeting card registry, activities and event schedules, gift giving, around town shopping, and internet shopping.

Extra pages for goals, reading lists, chores and more!

This planner truly has been the answer to all of my lesson planning needs. I have already started filling it up for our new "semester" which starts in July!



Now for the fun part! I am giving away ONE(1) On the Go Planner!! For one(1) entry you can Follow My Blog. For one(1) entry you can "Like" Molding Minds Homeschool on Facebook. For one(1) entry you can Share On Facebookor on on your favorite social media site (to share just cut and paste this blog into your status and let me know where you shared). For one(1) entry you can follow Molding Minds on Twitter. And for one (1) entry you can like Like The Homeschool Exchange! And finally for (1) Entry you can "Like" The Well Planned Day on Facebook.This is a total of Six(6) chances to win!

Please post a SEPARATE COMMENT for each entry and be sure to leave an email address for me to contact you at if you win!

I am in the process of swapping from a group to a fan page on facebook. Please be sure to Like This Page in order for your vote to count.

Winner will be chose May 27th and will be notified via email. Winner will have 72 hours to respond.

* I was given a free copy of this planner to review. All opinions are 100% mine.

30 Day Pantry Challenge: Menu Planning out of the Pantry Stockpile

This seemed like it was going to be the hard part. I have this complete mish-mash of ingredients. Random this and that. Somehow I have to look at my pantry and plan out dinners for the month. On top of this I have to be sure that I am using everything as best as I can so that I don't end up with a pantry with nothing but 22 cans of cream soups. What I need is a program that I can input my stockpile into and it will spit out recipes for me. I need Supercook! Go check it out and play with it! Whether you are looking for appetizers, entrees or deserts, Supercook does it all! Best of all, as far as I can tell it is free!

A few neat features of Super Cook include a suggestion cloud to help you fill in anything you might have missed as well as several thousand recipes to choose from!

Can you believe that this post has no affiliate links, hehe? Nope, really, I just loved the way this site was working and wanted to share it with you!