Amanda's Corner
When the county fair is here, fun happens all around us. One of my friends, a fellow homeschool mom, was the VP of the fair this year, and she did a wonderful job. What was most interesting was just how many homeschool families jumped in and helped out with the fair. The kids were everywhere, helping and having fun, and their entries in the fair categories (art, crafts, vegetables, etc) were very successful. Now, please understand, the prizes at the fair are not huge -- they vary from $1 to $3, and the kids win free coupons to the local Sonic when they enter. However, they enjoy showing off their work, and we all enjoy cruising the displays and taking a look at all that they have done. It is great that they have this opportunity, and they are learning about community service and meeting their neighbors.
I realize that not everyone enjoys this same setting, and can certainly appreciate that. After living in all sizes of cities and towns, I know what it is like to be in an area where the county fair isn't like it is here. However, I also learned that you can find other opportunities, through organizations like 4H and Awana. The children love to show off their work and see what other children are doing. Some of the arts & crafts stores like Hobby Lobby are also providing local art shows and classes for homeschooled children - great idea!
Before I forget, this is the time of year when butterflies are in abundance all over the
Check out the Learning Links at the bottom of this newsletter to find out more about butterflies, the Monarch migration that is taking place right now, coloring pages, and more. There are also a few links for the upcoming Labor Day holiday! Enjoy these days, and thanks for reading! Until next time, Unit Studies 101- Learn what they are & how to write your own Patriotic Holidays - Don't forget Veteran's Day is in November! Trains Unit Study -- Anyone getting a train set this December? Athletes of the Bible - Upcoming football & soccer seasons.. Easter Unit Study -Easter is April 16, 2006 Unit Study Journal - Record-keeping & planning tool * Sale lasts through August 31, 2005 First 100 orders receive FREE bonus: New Ideas and Staying Current
As homeschooling parents, we are always looking for new ideas and ways to enrich our children's education. I am often asked for ideas and suggestions for this, and here's my list:
1. Stay current on homeschooling -- using magazines, the Internet, etc. You need to be aware of what is happening in matters related to homeschooling, whether they involve teaching ideas, proposed laws or current legislation, current events as well as fun events that might help with your children's education. Here are a few of my favorite links to keep an eye on some of these things:
2. Make an effort to attend a homeschool workshop/conference if there is one in your area. Not only will you hear new ideas and meet new people, but you will be able to see how others are homeschooling and learn about events and other groups in your area that might be of interest (chess club, mock trial team, drama club, etc.) Learning Links: Tracking the Monarch Butterflies National Geographic Butterfly Coloring Page (Wow! Monarchs in Various Stages) Butterfly Life Cycle Coloring Pages |
Hello from the county fair! I'm including a picture of the carousel in front of the mountains to let you see a bit of my world. I felt like a kid again myself, watching all of the children waiting in lines, and finally being able to ride the rides with the lights of the fair lighting up their faces. 
country. They provide a great way to learn about insects, and are fairly easy to locate right now. I had to laugh the other day as I drove along our country lane and saw MANY butterflies, all grouped around horse droppings! "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, |
for all these great resources. I love county fairs too!
ReplyDelete