wordless'ish wednesday

The Bellison School of Independent Studies presents:

Homeschool Fieldtrips

Tuesday, April 3rd

Science Center of Des Moines and IMAX (SeaRex)

Community Service at Kitchen Collage

Maddi in the bubble station at our Science Center

(she is happy . . . really . . . that is her 'WooHoo!' face)

 Ellie generating power by re-directing water

Ben just cannot stay away from the Lego's!

After the Science Center, we stopped by Kitchen Collage and helped cut seed potatoes for planting at a local farm.  This effort was part of community service project for our local chapter of Buy Fresh Buy Local campaign.  This year they are part of Go The Distance - Plant a Mile which will provide fresh produce to local food banks. 

Hopefully this is the first of many opportunities we will have to serve for the 2012 BFBL campaign.



homeschool ninja

The Bellison School of Independent Studies proudly announces:

"Homeschool Ninja"

~ Would you like to add some fun to your homeschool day?

~ Complete your school work while practicing all your ninja skills!

~ Register now for homeschool ninja and you, too, can take:

 

Ninja Literature 101

 

 

Ninja Bible Scripture / Handwriting 101

Ninja Music - Classical Piano 101

Ninja Math (cat included) 101

Ninja PE 101

Coming Soon:

Ninja Spelling 101

Ninja Art 101

Ninja History 101

Ninja Home Ec 101

Ninja Foreign Language 101

officially official



Homeschool ID Cards and our school mascot (& jr. mascot)

We are now 6 months into our homeschool adventure and thought it high time we made it official with a proper name, ID cards, a school mascot(s).

Name:  The Bellison School of Independent Studies. We spend quite a bit of time and energy coming up with this name. We wanted something we could put on a transcript that would sound 'professional', yet yearned for something personal. We also struggled with selecting to name ourselves either a 'school' or an 'academy'. In the end, we went with something we could all agree on and feel comfortable with.

Bellison = 'Be' for Ben, 'lli' for Ellie, and 'son' for Madison. 

Personally, I really wanted to go with: "Our Lady of Perpetual Yelling".

ID cards:  What is a proper school if you don't have a proper ID? I also have discovered many stores offer discounts to teachers/homeschool eductaors if you can prove either. I used this site to personalize our ID's with photos and names. It is free to print them out as long as you sign up for the free site membership. I laminated the cards for durability (and yes . . . I do have a laminator. So much fun!) and to better fit into my card slots in my wallet.

I used my home educator card for the first time today. Mads is working on a project and needed some supplies from Michael's craft store. We always look on the computer to check for coupons before we head out . . . and Michael's almost ALWAYS have 40% off one item coupons. Once at the store, I asked the cashier if they offerred a discount for educators. She said all I needed to do was show my Homechool ID card and they would take 15% off the entire order in addition to any other coupons.  Woo-to-the-Hoo!!!!!!

Mascot:  The children insisted we have a mascot for our school, so Maddi whipped up a design of a narwhal outfitted with a big pencil and graduation cap. Ben named him Oliver and we all celebrated the completion of our project. Then Ellie decided we could use a jr. mascot in case Oliver was unable to fulfil his duties due to impalement by a jealous 'capless' narwhal.  Stanley, Oliver's understudy, was designed with cap and diploma in hand, but we all agree he might be a little on the 'special' side.

So, there you have it.  The Bellison School of Independent Studies, complete with working ID cards and a mascot for all of our personalized stationary.



ye olde schoolhouse

Franny told me it was high time to post up some pictures of ye olde school house, or the 'lair' as Maddi likes to call it.  The definition of lair, however, is 'a den or resting place of a wild animal' so I don't think it means what she thinks it means . . . but that definition actually fits quite well!

The schoolroom is in our half-finished basement, hence the concrete floors that resemble a cow hide.  (previous carpet and glued-down black pad left quite the interesting pattern)

This is the computer station, complete with re purposed comfy chair, printing station and a new addition: our Bamboo computer sketch tablet.  You use as fine point stylus and draw/sketch right on the pad . . . . bada-bing-bada-boom . . . your fine work of art appears on the computer screen for further manipulation.  I haven't played with it much, but the girls really love it and are spending quite a bit of time figuring out what all it can do.

Here is an example of Blue, one of the dogs at Blue Gate Farm . . . our CSA.  Ellie drew him on the Bamboo after coming home from an afternoon spent on the farm.

Next up is our note-taking whiteboard where all matters of truth are written.  The 3 clipboards are for reference sheets and daily assignments waiting to be completed.  Oh!  And see the yellow timer on the board?  It's a magnetic kitchen timer that doubles as our math drill timer.  I love dual purpose tools!

Above the computer desk and just to the right of the Whiteboard-of-Truth (wait . . . . someone erased the truth!) is a large map of the world.  We use this during our 'of the day' studies and the kids take turns using a laser pointer (mounted just below the map) to locate the countries mentioned in the articles.  Total cost for this map was $3 since I already had the spray adhesive and the 3M Command tabs.  My most frugal project to date!

To the left of the hanging clipboards is one of the greatest ideas I ever had . . . to convert our old entertainment center into our main school supply cabinet.  Brilliance over-floweths!  Although it looks like things are placed haphazardly, I can assure you everything has a place and there is a place for everything. 

Even though the kids do not have 'assigned seating', Maddi has claimed this workspace (to the left of the supply cabinet) since day one and spreads her things so thick on the surface that no one dare move it.  Here you can see her in-the-process sculpting of a clay bust for her research on Ancient Greece.

Moving along in our little tour, this is our . . . . well . . . um . . . . bookshelf.  Exciting, eh?  I do have to point out our lovely black flowerpot resting on top.  It was a gift from Sweet Bean and her Mama when we traveled to Alaska and they met us in Denali for a little dinner and chat.  Don't you love the decorated Omnipods?  It spells out A-L-A-S-K-A.  Makes me smile every time I look at it.

And here we make it around to where Ben likes to study/wiggle/jump/sing/bounce/tap/dance/hop/write/be.  He is close enough to my desk (you can see my chair on the left side) that I can correct him when he is being too disruptive and also close enough that I can throw small objects at him with ease.  Our spinny supply wheel is working beautifully and Ben only spins it 759 times an hour.  Oh how I love my busy-bodied boy.

And now, the moment you have all been waiting for, m-y  d-e-s-k.  As in my personal space.  As in DO NOT TOUCH ANYTHING ON THIS DESK IF YOUR NAME IS NOT AMY.  Yep . . . . all mine.  Notice the clutter, the overflowing to-do box, the multiple straws stemming from multiple sources of caffeine, the electrical tape keeping the arm of my chair from shedding . . . . it's homely but I Love, lOve, loVe, lovE this little corner of the room and will never give it up. (5 bonus points for anyone who can read what's on my iPad screen)

This little space just off the left of MY DESK is still kinda-sorta part of my desk, but other people can touch this area without fear of getting their limbs shredded.  Here we have an area on the bottom shelf for scratch paper, and just next to it a recycle box.  We are a green school . . . must save the planet.  On the top shelf sits my fabulous-oh-so-wonderful Gold Canyon pod warmer and scent pod.  Currently scenting our lair is Coconut Lime Verbena . . . very thought inspiring.  And the sketches?  Yeah, my students created those for me.  They also gifted me that lovely apple-holding raccoon for Teacher Appreciation Day. 

Finally, rounding up the left hand turns, we come to Ellie's space.  She loves to create and hoard scissors and drop glue dots all over the place in order to avoid working on math.  I do have to say, however, she was the only one still down here working while I was snapping away with the camera.  Either she really enjoyed her worksheets today or she played the avoidance game too long . .  . either way it was nice to see her tapping her foot away as she hummed a little tune.  (For 5 bonus points, can anyone spot Ellie's pod?)

Thank you for joining me on the tour of our classroom.  Even though we are in this space quite a bit, our 'classroom' extends beyond the basement to the upstairs, in bedrooms, out back on the trampoline, local parks, museums and even in the car.  Yep . . . homeschooling is the life for us!

through their eyes

Every Tuesday evening we pick up our CSA box of fresh produce at a coffee shop in downtown Des Moines.  I usually ask my hubby to stop by and pick it up since he works in a nearby suburb and is often out, about and near the area.

This Tuesday I decided to have the kids and I pick up the CSA box and take advantage of the beautiful weather by packing a picnic dinner to have and enjoy down at the nearby PapaJohn sculpture park.  I called Dave to meet us there and join us after work.

Now that we are homeschooling, I wanted this 'field trip' to incorporate an educational aspect, so I told the kids to grab their cameras for a lesson in photography.

We talked ahead of time about framing the subject, (not always or necessarily on center) choosing which direction to best utilize the light, playing with shadows and glare, paying attention to what would be in the background and getting creative with their angle of the shot.

Here are a collection of the photos straight out of their cameras, no photo editing other than placing them in collage format.


Through Ben's (age 7) eyes:

Through Ellie's (age 9) eyes:

Through Maddi's (age 13) eyes:

Yep . . . totally loving this homeschooling gig.

Still to come . . . I promise . . . podding (we all love it) and photos of our homeschool space.  There are simlpy not enough hours in the day or available computers in the house to keep up with my special blogging space!!!

called to serve

psssssssttttttt . . . . Hi!  How about we just ignore that little bloggie break and pretend it didn't happen, okay?!  It's not like I have been busy with starting Ellie on an insulin pump, beginning homeschool and spending weekends without my favorite boyfriend (he has been working crazy long hours/days lately).  Nope.  No excuses.

Let's move on.

1.  The Omnipod insulin pump system is f-a-b-u-l-o-u-s-i-t-y and I promise to devote a couple of posts highlighting our transition from MDI to podding.

2.  Schooling the kids at home is f-a-b-u-l-o-u-s-i-t-y and I promise to devote a couple of posts highlighting our roller coaster of a learning curve. (with pictures of the school room!)

So, what made me jump back on the computer to dust off the old blog?

Service.

Today our lesson plans called for service.  A field trip!  And two other very awschum homeschooling families joined us in volunteering for Meals from the Heartland. 

We signed up to serve a 2-hour shift of food packaging at HyVee Hall in Des Moines.  This is their annual fight against hunger, 4 day event.  Their goal is putting together and boxing up over 4 million meals to be shipped to countries in need.

Our team of 10 Hunger Fighters. (I am the photo taker and the other helper had run ahead ~ so excited!)

Some of the displays set up on our way into the convention hall.  They artistically recreated tent cities.

The top photo is what the food packaging area looked like BEFORE the volunteers came in, and the bottom photo is after hundreds of hunger fighters appeared for their shift.



Today I am so grateful to be called to serve . . . . and to have the opportunity to do it with my kids!

good fridays

Another Friday come and gone . . . well, almost.  Three moments I am grateful for this week (no T1D allowed) as the temperature and humidity crawl back up to August standards.  Ugh.

1.  We survived the first 2 days of going 'off the grid!'  No, we haven't moved to an eco-communal living farm.  We just took a flying leap off the public school grid and began homeschooling.  It was a surreal experience to wake up Thursday morning and head down to the 'school room' and begin teaching my kiddos the three R's . . . while adding in current events, science, art, music, geography, history and bible study.  I am not gonna lie, I was more than a little scared and anxious about how it was all going to play out.  Not only was I surprised at the ease of the transition, however, I also grinned and giggled knowing we could work at our own pace and change up the 'rules' when we needed.  Today was no different, and I dare say a little smoother, and I am beginning to believe we are actually going to make this adventure happen.  Woo-To-The-Hoo!!! 

2.  One of the best moments of the week was spent swimming at a church-friend's backyard pool with our 'other' family.  It also happened to be during the first day back to school for our community.  HeHe.  Yeah, we had ourselves a good old-fashioned 'not-going-back-to-school' party while most of their friends were sitting at a desk in a classroom listening to lectures.  Really, though . . . did you expect anything less from us?!

3.  The last grateful moment involves an appointment with my favorite 13yo and my hair stylist.  Maddi and I had our locks trimmed and colored, with her opting for a bright red hair extension and me selecting a overall dark chestnut full color with purple undertones.  Don't worry, it sounds so much more dramatic than it looks.  I guess I could prove it with a photo, but I would much rather let your minds wander and wonder. 

Yeah, it's definitely Friday an I am feeling a little spunky and snarky.

"Hey, did you SEE Amy and Maddi's hair?  What were they thinking?!"

oh. my. lantus.

First of all, I want to express a HUGE 'thank you' to all the wonderful comments and supportive sentiments regarding our homeschooling curriculum.  You all are so encouraging and such a positive influence in my life.

And boy do I need love and encouragement today, because

Oh. My. Lantus. 

(Another great phrase from my friend, Ceesa.  It replaced OMG in just about every situation.  Do YOU have a 'Ceesa' in your life?  If you don't, I recommend finding one and hanging on tight)

I will begin at the end of this tale because the beginning is too long ago to correctly recall.

Ellie is officially 'live with insulin' with an Omnipod pump . . . TODAY!!!!!  Or, 5 hours at this point.

Notice I didn't say "OUR" Omnipod pump?  Yeah.  About that.

Our insurance gave the green light verbally after we submitted our paperwork 30 (thirty!) days ago.

We have done our part.  Ellie completed the week-long saline trial and our Endocrinologist's office was on top of the requested documentation.

Omnipod was on top of things and did what they could in response to our insurance company's many requests.

Yet, here we are today, pumping with insulin on the Dr.'s office loaner Omnipod pump.  The same one we took home for the saline trial.

Why?

Because the insurance company is a piece of ($*%&^#*( work.  A business who doesn't care who my daughter is or why she wants a better T1D management system.

So we have to prove it by flooding them with doctor certifications, proof of training calenders, blood sugar logs, carb counts, plans of actions and payment plans.  Really?

Okey-Dokey then.  I will play along nicely until I just can't anymore, or they approve and send out OUR pump . . . . whichever comes first. 

I really don't have time to be mad, anyway.  The learning curve on pumping and the zig/zag nature of T1D will have me busy enough. 

Oh yeah, and our first day of homeschool is t-o-m-o-r-r-o-w. 

I'd say this is a pretty good representation on my inner self today.  Anyone else feeling this way, too?

our homeschool 101

Today Yesterday was the first day of public school in our city.  I felt a little out of sorts not getting my kids up early, packing lunches and taking our traditional 'first day of school' photos.  I  even half expected a truant officer to come knocking on my door asking where my children were and why they were not in school . . . even though I turned in all the necessary paperwork for competent private instruction.  I might have even experienced a moment of panic after I signed on to facebook and saw the photos and read the stories of all the kids in their new clothes and backpacks heading back to school.

Then I looked in on my sleeping children all nestled into their beds, enjoyed a leisurely cup of coffee and bowed my head in thankful prayer for His plans for our family to be 'different.'  Or, as my friend Ceesa says "to go off the grid."

We spent our day at a church friend's backyard pool with our second family (Ceesa's) who are also choosing to school at home this year.  What a great start to our new adventure!

So . . . when DO we begin our homeschool? 

Thursday.  Nice and slow and easy.

Method

We are going to be educating in a Charlotte Mason'ish manner, with some classical nods and traditional fares thrown in for good measure.  I think most people would call it eclectic; we call it 'us.' 

Math

~ Maddi will be using Teaching Textbooks, pre-algebra level.

~ Ellie and Ben will use Math Mammoth, levels 4 and 2 respectively.






Science

~ Maddi will work her way through Apologia's Creation through Physical Science

~ Ellie and Ben will be introduced to the subject by participating in Maddi's labwork and using a couple of fun unit studies here and there.

History/Geography/Bible

~ All three kiddos will participate in learning about history, geography and the bible by utilizing Simply Charlotte Mason's module 1; Genesis - Dueteronomy and Ancient Egypt.  We will use the sugested curriculum guide and move through the unit using living books, suggested readings and activites.

Spelling/Grammer/Vocabulary

~ Maddi will use Wordly Wise 3000 level 8 and a daily online grammer prompt.

~ Ellie and Ben will each work through their own levels of Spelling Wisdom, complete daily copywork and utilize daily online writing prompts.

Art/PE/Music

~ Maddi will continue with weekly guitar lessons, self taught art through Drawspace and PE through family activities and a membership to our local YMCA.

~ Ellie will resume piano lessons, her third year, with Pam Gaulke.  PE through family activites and games and Art through online prompts and local mini-classes.

~ Ben will follow suit with Ellie with our PE and Art ideas, and is interested in beginning percussion lessons.  Oh. My. 

Daily Together Time (water cooler talk)

~ We plan to begin our day looking through and discussing several 'for this day' online one stop shops such as:

24 hours in pictures

Astronomy picture of the day

Botany picture of the day

Daily global prayer prompts

This day in history

A word a day

National Geographic photo of the day  (we will change our computer desktop photo to this picture and discuss or use as a writing prompt - when appropriate)

~ All of these daily prompts are intended to develop and strengthen family discussions, narration practice (for dinnertime discussion when the hubs gets home) and writing prompts. 

Literature and Writing

~ I believe we based our curriculum decisions and homeschooling style with these two subjects in the forefront of our minds.  We want our children to develop a deep love and respect for classic literature and feel it is very important to expose them to a large variety of literature. 

The kids will all receive reading 'lists' and books chosen from this resource, based on Charlottle Mason's literature philosophy.

In order to foster a solid foundation of comprehension, narration and writing, we will rotate having the children complete 1 of 3 options when they have completed a book. 

1.  An oral narration of the summary and prompted question / answer session covering key points, character development and story time lines.

2.  A written report either prompted in 'book report' form or free-style writing in a comparison side-by-side writing style.

3.  A Power Point or other multi-media presentation covering the main parts of the book.

Downtime/Play/End of day

~ Yes, a plan for this too.  Lots of lots of this.

School begins on Thursday . . . . and the story will continue.