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Earth and its seasons ~ Apologia Astronomy activity

Written by Joy
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Earth and its seasons ~ Apologia Astronomy activity

We have made it to the planet Earth in our Astronomy study.  With all the sickness and then dental issues that have happened in our house, our science, Astronomy by Apologia was put on hold.

We had already talked about how the earth rotates and it takes 24 hours to make a day.  We also learned that while the earth is rotating, it is also revolving around the sun and that takes 365 days, to make a year.  This lesson, we read about how the earth has a tilt, the equator, the Northern Hemisphere and Southern Hemisphere.   As the earth revolves around the sun, the tilt allows the hemisphere that points to the sun to get that direct sunlight and they will be much warmer.  The hemisphere that is not pointed toward the sun will obviously get less sunlight, making it the cooler months.

Our activity for the lessons was getting our globe out (it has a tilt to it) and a lamp.  We put the lamp in the middle of the floor, had each of them to take turns walking Earth (the globe) around the Sun (lamp), counterclockwise.

Claire rotating the Earth around the Sun.

By doing this, the kids could see what hemisphere of the Earth was getting the most sun at that time and what hemisphere had less direct light.

Sammy rotating the Earth around the Sun.

The kids and I had fun with this lesson.  It was fun to learn about how the tilt of the Earth provides the different seasons as it revolves around the sun.

Have you done any fun activities or projects in science lately?  I would love for you to share them!

I am linking up with Adventures in Mommydom’s, Science Sunday.

Science Sunday
2013, homeschooling, , , , , , , , , ,

Creating A Masterpiece ~ review and giveaway!!

Written by Joy
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Creating A Masterpiece ~ review and giveaway!!

 

**UPDATE: Congrats to Rebecca Tice winning the Level 1 Art DVD!!

Sharon Hofer, a professional artist, noticed a need  when her art classes at Hidden Acres Art School‘s waiting list kept growing and growing.  She had parents asking her how they could help their children in art, while waiting for a space to open up in a class.  By this growing need, she started Creating a Masterpiece.  Creating A Masterpiece is a DVD art curriculum for kids of all ages.  She teaches them in realism and impressionistic styles.  What I love most though, is that Sharon first goal is to help others create art that glorifies God.  I don’t think you could ask for anything better than that.

Lessons in Pencil: Sunflower and Lessons in Pencil/Charcoal: Stork.

The first DVD that we received to review was the Level 1 Lessons in Pencil: Sunflower.  In this lesson, Sharon teaches about the basic lines that you will draw with, straight and curved.  She also shares how to draw with texture as well as the importance of shading.  The materials that you use are the basic drawing materials.  You will need a #2 pencil, a #6b pencil, drawing paper, a stiff bristled brush and and a tortillon (a roll of paper used to blend).  The art DVD is divided into 7 chapters with her going over the different steps until you get the final picture that you are looking for.

Sarah’s final Sunflower picture.

The next DVD that we reviewed was the Lessons in Pencil and Charcoal: Stork.  This is a Level 3 DVD. In this lesson, Sharon takes you through the steps of sketching and then shading the stork with charcoal.  She also teaches you the different values in the bird, as well as how to blend with a kneaded eraser. The materials needed for this project are: a stick of charcoal, a #2b pencil, a kneading eraser and paper.  Sharon has divided this lesson up into 4 chapters.  By the time this lesson is over, you will have a beautiful picture of a stork.

Sarah’s final Stork picture.

As you saw, we did a Level 1 and a Level 3  lesson.  Creating a Masterpiece has 5 different levels, teaching is these different mediums; pencil, charcoal, acrylic, ink, pastels, Copper tooling, sculpture, silk painting and water colors. The lessons, are well laid out and she explains everything in detail to where you can understand and follow along without any trouble.  The materials that are needed you can find at your local art store.

Our overall experience with Creating a Masterpiece was very nice.  We enjoyed the lessons a lot.  Sharon has a wonderful way of explaining in detail, that the kids can understand and enjoy.  You can tell that she truly has a love of art and enjoys teaching it to others.

Creating a Masterpiece  has just added a coupon that you can get the same discount for a year’s curriculum (6 DVD’s) but allows you to choose which 6 DVD’s that you want.  All you have to do is enter the discount code “setof6”.

Creating a Masterpiece has also offered to give away to one of my readers a DVD.  I have chosen the Level 1 DVD “Sunflower“.  All you have to do is enter the correct information into the rafflecopter widget below!  I will choose a winner on April 5th.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

disclaimer: This was a compensated review. All opinions expressed are my own.

2013, homeschooling, review, , , , ,

We Choose Virtues ~ review

Written by Joy
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We Choose Virtues ~ review

We Choose Virtues is a program that you use to teach 12 virtues to your children and to build character in your children.  I think for most any parent, instilling good character into your children is high on the list when you are raising our children.  We Choose Virtues can also be used as a reminder for parents as well.  Children pick up a lot by just watching their parents and how they act or treat others.

We Choose Virtues comes with all the material that you need to start teaching your children about the virtues and good character.  The first thing that you do is use the Family Character Assessment.  You sit down with each child and if you want, even yourself and your spouse.  You go over the assessment to see where you feel like you stand on each virtue.  From there, you can choose with which virtue you think needs to be covered first.

Our family decided to start with Obedience.  I think it is important for children to listen to their parents.  The first thing we did was read the card.  We talked about the scripture and even other scripture in the bible that talks about not only obeying your parents, but obeying God.  I printed out the coloring books for my kids and they each colored the Obedient page.

Obedient, our first Virtue we are learning.

Everyday, for a week, we would go over the Obedient card and read the scripture.  Several times throughout the days, I would ask if they were being obedient and ask them to give me the ways that they were.  If at any time, when I had asked them to do something and they wanted to fuss or not listen, I would remind them of the word Obedient and they knew what I was talking about.

This was also a great reminder for me.  I thought to myself, how often do I not listen or obey God?  There were several times, that I often has to repent.  Yes, I even told the kids that even moms and dads don’t obey and we have to suffer the consequences of not obeying as well.  I think it helped them to know that even mom and dad do have trouble  obeying at times as well.

Coloring our Obedient pages.

Overall, We Choose Virtues is an excellent program, not only for children, but for parents as well.  We Choose Virtues comes in several different kits, for whether you are homeschooling, in a school setting or church setting.  They have posters, charts, coloring books and other materials that you can even make your own kit from.  They also have different versions of the bible that you can choose from as well.  The colors are very vibrant and colorful giving it a fun kid look.

If you are interested, We Choose Virtues is offering 20% off for the month of April on any kit that you order.  The code for the 20% is Home20.  Heather, the owner is also offering a 15% discount on any order.  Be sure to use the code Virtue15.

 

2013, homeschooling, review, ,

Update on our Colorado life…

Written by Joy
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Update on our Colorado life…

Elk in Rocky Mountain National Park

It has been a while since I have done an update on our Colorado life. As you know we moved from North Carolina to Colorado back in August of 2012. Yes, we have been in Colorado for 7 months. It definitely has been an interesting 7 months. While we know God moved us out here, it has definitely taking some getting used to for me and the kids.

First off, we are living in an apartment, in a city. Yes, me a country gal, living in a city. I definitely feel like a fish out of water. There have been comments about my accent and where I am from. Some good, but there has been some rude comments as well. I have actually been questioned about having manners and raising my kids that way. Like I said, it has been different.

We have joined a homeschool group and have been on field trips and other outings. However, making friends have been difficult for myself and the kids. They have asked on occasion why we had to move. I just keep telling them and reminding myself that God has a plan for us. He moved us here and we need to do the best we can and just make the best of it.

We are still looking for a home church. I think this has been the hardest thing of all. We miss being in fellowship with other believers. We have visited several churches, but my husband and I have not felt like God has pointed us to the right church. We are still praying about a home church and know that God will lead us to one, in his timing.

It has also been a very long winter for us. We love the cold and we have enjoyed the snow that we have gotten. However, since this is a new climate and area for us, we have also been fighting sickness. We have had the flu, stomach bugs, really bad colds and just recently, I have had some major dental issues surface. It has been tough being at home and not being able to go out and explore, go on field trips and even a mom’s night out.

We are still homeschooling and loving it. I finally feel like we have the curriculum that works for our family. The kids enjoy their science and history. We love reading and doing projects together. We love going on field trips and exploring the new area together. We do enjoy our homeschool group we are in, but I have been looking for another one that is a little more involved and get together a lot more often. I am hoping the kids will be able to make friends soon.

Do we love Colorado? Absolutely! We definitely felt like God lead us out here and the opportunity for my husband to work at this college, just could not be passed up. It has just been an adjustment and with God, we will get through this.

Sun setting on the Rocky Mountain National Park

As you have noticed on the blog, there have been a lot of reviews lately. It has been because of us being sick and I have not been able to write like I have wanted to. As I mentioned, I have had some dental issues and it has required me to be on some pain medication. Yes, it has been that painful. I am hoping this will be the last week with so many reviews. I finally see a light at the end of the tunnel.

I am also working on a couple of different projects. One, I am working with a wonderful friend. I am hoping we can share more about it soon. It involves a new blog that we will be doing together! A little sneak peak is the title, “Surrendering the Plate.” Any ideas of what it could be about? 😉

I am truly excited about it! God has also been working on my heart in the past year. I am just in the beginning stages, but I am trying to figure out how to get started with it. I would love to have some kind of mentoring program to where older (more experienced) women teach and mentor other women. Like a Titus 2 mentoring program. I know there are a lot like that out in the blogging world already, but God keeps laying it on my heart to someone get involved and do something.

Well, this is how things have been going for us.  We are taking it one day at a time and trusting in God to lead us every day.  I would like to ask one thing of you,  could you please be in prayer that I follow where God leads me?  That is including this blog.  I want to blog to bring glory to God, to help and encourage others in their faith and their homeschooling journey.

Blessings!

2013, family, , , ,

See The Light “Van Gogh and Sunflowers” project DVD giveaway!!

Written by Joy
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See The Light “Van Gogh and Sunflowers” project DVD giveaway!!

**Update: Ticia was chosen at the winner of the “Sunflowers/Van Gogh art DVD!

I am so excited about this giveaway from See The Light.  A couple of weeks ago, I had posted a review of the “Van Gogh and Sunflowers” project that See The Light had just made.  We had been the to Van Gogh exhibit at our local Art Museum and the owner of See The Light thought my oldest daughter would enjoy it.  She was absolutely right!

Sarah’s final picture of her interpretation of Van Gogh’s Sunflowers painting.

My oldest daughter LOVED the project and I think did an amazing job on it. Now, you have a chance to win the Van Gogh- Sunflowers project dvd.  See The Light has graciously offered one of my readers a chance to win this project DVD that is just now coming to their website! All you have to do is just leave me a comment and tell me your favoirte Van Gogh painting.  Do you love his Sunflowers paintings?  Or how about Starry Nights?  Do you like another artist?  I can’t wait to see your answers!

The giveaway will be open until March 3oth!

disclaimer: I was given the art dvd to do a review.  See The Light is giving the dvd away.  No other compesation was given.  All opinions and thoughts were my own.

2013, , , ,