2013 Homeschool Curriculum

At the start of the year, I decided that our 2013 Homeschool Curriculum
will be based on the Hubbard's Cupboard and the ABC Jesus Loves Me
curricula --- for ages 3 and 4. Seasoned homeschoolers have said that I
don't need a curriculum for Tot M's current age. Reading books and playtime
fun are sufficient activities for a 3 year old. The curriculum is more for me;
it's nice to have a framework to refer to when I feel lost.

Of course, we are nowhere near The Plan. The activities just don't appeal
to Tot M. I've talked to other playgroup moms about this -- particularly those
with boys -- it's nice to know that we're normal.

To date, Tot M can:
- Recite the alphabet, identify uppercase and lowercase letters including
  their sounds
- Name basic colors and shapes
- Count from 1-20, plus a few numbers beyond 20
- Understand positional concepts
- Spell a few words (using his alphabet puzzles)
- Write a few letters

The 3 things that have helped learn these skills:
- Reading books
- Watching videos
- Having alphabet toys within reach: fridge phonics + alphabet puzzles

Things we're working on this 2013:
- Reading books: still trying to get back to the frequency that we had last
  year!

- Learning how to read: we've started with a few word families and a few 

  high frequency words
- Writing letters: we've used a few manipulatives and worksheets
  Tot M is fascinated with the concept of writing.
- Math: still trying to figure out how to go beyond counting.
- Cutting with scissors: haven't tried this in awhile, let's see if he's ready
- Playing with toys: this fills up a pretty good part of the day


If you're looking for a FREE Homeschool Curriculum for your preschool
child, Truly Rich Mom has a great list that you can start with.


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The 2013 NZ School Year started on the 28th of January and will end on
the 20th of December. Our Homeschool follows the same school year.
Tot M is now 3 y.o.

FREE McMuffin at McDo Philippines

McDo is having a National Breakfast Day on the 18th of March 2013,
5:00 am to 9:00am for the 1st 1000 Customers.

Complete details can be found here


And for your viewing pleasure:

Lent 2013

I've been a Catholic all my life. Lent was a de facto; it just came
and went. Yes, I fasted, abstained from meat, and gave up chocolate.
Unfortunately, I was too busy being a Martha about it.

In recent years, I've switched gears. Lent has become an opportunity
to grow my personal relationship with Jesus. I haven't exactly been
successful in my attempts. I have never completed 40 Days of
intentional living; going about my day with a disposition of prayer
and sacrifice. Even if I managed to do so, I'm sure there is much more
that can be learned about the breadth, length, height and depth of
His love. - Eph 3:18 


Here are a few ideas for celebrating Lent:

Our Sunday Visitor recommends that we go back to basics with
The 1-1-1 Plan
One Sin: Concentrate or focus on one sin or fault that is getting in
                the way of your relationship with God and with others.
One Add-in: Add one positive activity that will deepen your prayer
                     and spiritual life (especially if you think you are too
                     busy to put anything more into an impossibly busy
                     schedule!).
One give-up: Deny yourself something you really like or are
                      attached to.

A Holy Experience has a free Lent and Easter Jesus Tree Devotional. 
There are readings for 17 Days and one just stretches them out for
the entirety of Lent.

The De La Salle Community in the Philippines has a list of
Good Deeds for 2013. The good deeds are acts of kindness
that one can do for others.


Lent 2012  has other ideas on things you can do to celebrate Lent.

Each year, we receive an invitation from the Lord to grow closer to
Him. He invites us to pause, remember and celebrate His passion,
death and resurrection. This is Lent.

Photo credit

Hello February 2013!

Whoa, that went fast. Yep, we're now at February!

How does one sanely manage 2 kids (3y.o. + newborn) while homeschooling
and working from home? Inquiring minds want to know...

Nope, we're NOT having anyone come over to help, nor getting help, nor sending
anyone to childcare.

Ahh... here's to better planning, organizing and executing :)


Photo credit

Christmas Activities for Kids 2012

Last year, I attempted to make an origami Nativity Scene. In a nutshell,
it didn't go very well. So, I decided to look for more "artistically-friendly"
projects for this year.

Here's a round-up of activities that really got me inspired. Click on the
links for the how-tos :)

Nativity Scenes

This DIY Nativity Scene by Marloes de Vries is one of the easiest projects
around. All you need to do is cut, fold then glue the images. How simple
is that!

If you've got spare toilet paper tubes, Catholic Icing's Nativity Set is the project
for you.

Christmas Calendars

Here's a cute Santa Calendar from Maestra Valentina. The kids can
cut off the portion of Santa's beard that corresponds to the date. You
know it's Christmas when you've reached Santa's nose!

This Santa Calendar from Busy Little Bugs is great for the little kids. They
can put a pompom ball or sticker on the dates leading up to Christmas.

This is one of those things on my wish list. Homemade by Jill's Advent
Calendar is one of those labor of love projects. It's all hand sewn.
The tree ornaments stay in the box and a new one is hung up each day.

Jesse / Christmas Trees

Tired and Need Sleep has a Jesse Tree 2012 printable: included are
the readings, prayers and ornaments needed for your Jesse Tree.

Here's another project for the little kids. This Felt Christmas Tree by
Sol and Rachel allows your little one to decorate and redecorate the tree.

Activity Packs

We'll be using some of the activities here for our homeschooling this
December. But kiddies who're on "traditional school" holiday break
can join in on the fun!

1+1+1=1 Christmas Tot Pack

1+1+1=1 Nativity Preschool Pack

Nativity and Winter Wonderland Packs by Over the Big Moon

It's beginning to feel like Christmas in our home. We've been listening to
Christmas Songs and finalizing Christmas plans.  All we need is our
Christmas Tree. Yes, I'm still hopeful that we'll get one this year.


Photo Credit


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Christmas Traditions 2012

If I had my way, the Christmas Tree would already be up. Unfortunately, we
still haven't had time to buy the tree. And with all the other stuff that needs
to be bought (we have a baby on the way), I have considered making our
own Christmas Tree.

It's sad how many have become disillusioned with Christmas. For some,
Christmas has become one giant party gone overboard. One thing I've
learned is that you don't have to do what everyone else is doing. Just do
what makes sense to you.

The Gingerbread House

Every year, I look forward to Market Manila's Christmas posts. I must admit,
Christmas at Market Man's home is a bit grand for my current budget. But
I can still dream right. I love the decor, the tables, the menu, and all
the little details that lovingly go into their Christmas celebrations.

One thing unique about their family is that they create their own
Gingerbread House. They also create a few for select organizations to
spread some Holiday Cheer.

The Advent Wreath
When I was younger, the Advent Wreath served as our family's reminder
that Christmas was just around the corner. We would gather as a family,
sing "O Come, O Come, Emanuelle", light the candles and say the prayers.
This is one tradition that I just might bring back this year. Church Year
has a weekly guide that is easy to follow.

The Advent Activity Tree
Speaking of Advent, The Imagination Tree has this beautiful post on how
their family is celebrating Advent. The family does one activity daily
together; all these leading up to Christmas day.

The December Daily
The December Daily is Ali Edwards annual December scrapbooking project.
It's a great way to document the many activities that go on in your family in
December. You might want to read Ali's must read post on the simple things
that make for nice Christmas memories. The things we take for granted that
count too.

The Christmas Mini Album
I know, not all of us are ready for daily scrapbooking. Paper Vine has this
How To on creating a Paper Mini Album. This can be a special way to store
your favorite Christmas Photos.

Yes, having a Christmas Tree is tradition on both sides of the family. But it
is just icing on the cake. In our family, Christmas is about celebrating the
Birth of Christ. Come to think of it, we don't need a tree to celebrate that.

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Christmas Color Themes 2012

Christmas is just around the corner. Oooh, love it!

The last quarter of 2011 was a such big adjustment for the family that I
didn't get to properly prepare for last year's Christmas. This year, I'm
planning ahead and devoting the Fridays of November to Christmas
Planning for 2012. There will be a few areas that I'd like to touch on.
I'm splitting things up into weekly projects so that it's all more manageable.

I'll start by sharing with you some Christmas decorating ideas that you
can easily do for your home. I know, it's a lot easier to just go to the store,
buy a tree then buy a box of ornaments. However, putting in that little extra
effort will help add character and personality to your holiday decor.

Start by choosing a a color theme. If you dont have the time, nor patience
nor budget for things, this is the one idea that could up your game. Think
of your Christmas Color Theme as your base; the one unifying factor for
your decor.

Christmas Color Themes for 2012

1. Red and Gold
The red and gold color theme is such a classic. It's a very nostalgic color
theme for many. You can freshen up red and gold by choosing a few pieces
and presenting them in a different way.

Christmas Balls have traditionally been reserved to the Christmas Tree.
Dabney freshened things up by placing the balls in a bowl and using them as
a table centerpiece. 

Fresh Poppy Design hand made these glitter balls and hung them up on the 

curtain rod. If you're the crafty type, this will be an easy peasy project
for you.

33 Shades of Green used a few candles and transformed them into these
fabulous mood setters.

2. Blue and Silver
Blue and silver is the way to go if you want a classic Christmas Color
Theme that's sophisticated and crisp. There are many shades of blue.
The trick to this theme is finding a shade that's perfect for you.

Wrapping empty boxes and placing them under the tree is an easy
to replicate Christmas decor "cheat". Maintaing the same festive shade
of blue for the presents and balls keeps things nicely coordinated.

Why not use a blue and silver Christmas wreath to welcome guests into your
home? Make the Best of Things has a tutorial on how she created this one.

Inspiration for Home shows us how decorating the table for the holidays can
be as simple as adding a few ornaments and bows.

3. Tiffany Blue and Chocolate Brown
If I had my way, I'd have more pieces in chocolate brown; clothes, personal
items and Christmas decor. It's a shade of brown that's not easy to come by
which makes the color more dear to me. I know, blue and brown is a popular
wedding color theme. But it can make for an elegant Christmas Color Theme
as well.

Coco + Kelly can show us a thing or two on how easy it is to execute a blue
and brown Christmas Color Theme. It's all in the details!

What's Christmas without dessert? You can definitely pick up a few dessert
ideas from A Dozen Eggs' dessert buffet.

Check out Better Homes and Garden's Christmas feature on
holiday decorating in Blue and Brown. Focus on one or two elements
to keep it budget friendly.


We have yet to decide on which color theme we'll go with. Which
Christmas Color Theme will you be using in your home this year?


Photo Credit
poppet


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