Sunday, September 29, 2013

Poppin's Book Nook #7 - Skippyjon Jones Class Action


PoppinsBookNook

The Poppin's Book Nook theme for this month is School! As a homeschool parent, coming up with a good book about school was a little difficult. Luckily Skippyjon Jones to the rescue in Skippyjon Jones Class Action.


The reason I chose this book, other then the fact that my girls LOVE Skippyjon Jones, is that it is not your typical book about school. Actually Skippyjon wants to go to school, but his mama tells him only dogs go to school. So in typical Skippyjon fashion, he enters his closet and his imagination to board the bus for school. This is where he learns of the "wooly bully," a dog that spins around in a teacup and always seems to be growling. Of course Skippyjon gets to the bottom of it, learning things aren't always what they seem and (spoiler alert) the "wooly bully" is simply hungry, so his tummy is doing the growling!

This book provided a good way to talk about how others may be different, but everyone should still be treated with respect. My girls know they are homeschooled. They know other kids go to school, and I think this book helps them see that both ways are okay. In this case dogs go to school while cats don't. Real life isn't that simplistic, but they can see what works for one person doesn't work for another, and that's okay.

We also got to talk about not assuming things based on outward appearances because what seems to be true isn't always. You have to treat others how you want to be treated and get to know them for who they are and not how they appear.

Because the "wooly bully" spins around in a little tea cup, we took the opportunity to have a tea party. The girls love having tea parties with their little ceramic tea set, and they know when the do they have to be on their best behavior, so they don't break it! That also mean they have to use their best manners.




After they had enjoyed their tea for a while I decided to invite someone else to the party. I didn't trust Eli with the tea set, so I just grabbed a stuffed dog. I set him at the table and asked them what they should do now that someone new had joined their party.  



They were quick to find him something to use as a plate and to share their tea. They even pretended to help feed him.


I think learning how to treat others is definitely more important then academics at this age (at any age really), and tea parties are a fun way to practice!

This month we have the opportunity (US only please!) for you to win a copy of It's Back to School We Go! This books talks about what school is like in other countries; a great way to learn even more about diversity in learning!





Be sure to stop by and read the great school selections from all the participating bloggers!






Sky Dive for Challenging Behaviour Foundation!

Not me, my amazing sister is doing a sky dive for charity in twenty minutes! Very nervous and excited for her... quite glad I'm not there to watch!

The charity my sister works for - the Challenging Behaviour Foundation helps families and carers in supporting people with learning difficulties and all manner of challenging behaviour.

Please help support them if you can! Holly is all suited up and ready to go, please help spur her on by donating to a very worthy cause!! http://m.virginmoneygiving.com/mt/uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserPage.action?userUrl=HollyButcher&faId=349801&isTeam=false

The Challenging Behaviour Foundation (CBF) is a charity specialising in severe learning disabilities and behaviour described as challenging. Established by a family carer, we work with families and professionals supporting children and adults across the UK.

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Sight Word Treasure Hunt

Last year for Talk Like a Pirate Day, the kids got all dressed up like pirates and followed a map of our yard (while practicing gross motor skills) to find treasure. This year the girls informed me that dressing and talking like a pirate was scary. Ooooook....so I found a new take on the treasure hunt for them, a Sight Word Treasure Hunt. 


I started with yellow baked cotton balls with sight words written on them (yes I saved these from our Turkey Feeding last year). I placed a winding trail of them them throughout the yard leading to pirate treasure!


When I brought the girls out I told them some pirates had been there and left behind a trail of gold that may lead them to pirate treasure. 


They would have to follow the trail to find the pirate treasure, but in order to move on they would first have to read the word on the gold piece.


They had to be quick to keep Eli from grabbing them all before the trail was gone!  He was so sad when  he found one, and I wouldn't let him grab it! Bria had to help with a few of the words, but between them both they made it to the treasure!


They were all pretty excited to get some of those little gold and silver treasure chests! 



They all enjoyed sampling the pirate booty, and Talk Like a Pirate Day continued without the "scary" pirate garb!

And the Award for the Most Fun Outdoor Activity goes to SNAIL SPOTTING!!


Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Math Mammoth Review

Looking for an affordable Math Curriculum for your homeschool? Math Mammoth could be your answer! Math Mammoth offers full math curricula for grades 1-6 in their Light Blue Series as well as worksheets for some of the older grades. You can also purchase individual books on specific topic. 

In exchange for an honest review, we were provided with a copy of Math Mammoth Grade 1 Light Blue Series.



Math Mammoth offers both a downloadable version or a paper format. When we downloaded our version I was instantly impressed with how much was included in the curriculum. It included worksheets for an entire year of work as well as answers keys, reviews, and tests. 

The topics appear to be very thoroughly covered and coincidentally, the Light Blue Series, through grade 5,  is also Common Core aligned although no changes were needed to make it so.

The first thing I had the girls do was try out the kindergarten review. I have to say they were not thrilled with the worksheets. If you read much here you know my kids are not too into worksheets.


Based on my kids, I have to say the number of worksheets is the down side of Math Mammoth. They would much rather be doing something hands on, and they learn better from manipulating.  While this may be a downside for my particular kids it could be a huge plus for others who have a different learning style. I know lots of kids who enjoy worksheets, and they do provide a great way to keep track of what your kids have mastered.

It does not require a teachers manual or many manipulatives which help keep costs low and ease of use high. Even though my kids like the manipulatives, they can be costly, so this is still a plus! And the downloadable version can be printed again and again, so there is no need to purchase a new workbook for each child! Another way to keep costs low!

I do like the fact that the program includes possible games that can be played to go along with topics as well as Internet resources that may be helpful.

I was also impressed to see the money section not only provided information for United States Currency, but also for Europe, Australia, and Canada!

As I said before the program is very affordable (~$34 for an entire year), so even if you don't use it for your base curriculum, it is possible to use pieces of it to supplement another curriculum if your child needs more practice. This will most likely be our use of Math Mammoth.

I really like Math Mammoth, and I think it could easily fit my teaching abilities. Unfortunately it doesn't seem to fit my kinesthetic learners the best.  I would certainly recommend that any of you looking for a math curriculum look into Math Mammoth.  It is certainly a complete, affordable option for your homeschool!




You can read more reviews from the Mosaic Reviews Team HERE!

On the Go Giveaway

For those of you expecting or with little ones, I am pleased to announce to you the On the Go Giveaway!  Good luck to you all!

Enter to win this collection of great gear every child needs for on-the-go!

Prize Package Includes:

  • Yummi Pouch Brights - 2 sets of reusable food pouches ($30 value)
  • Diono RadianR100 car seat ($259.99 value)
  • Tivoli Couture Luxury Memory Foam Stroller Liner in Emerald. ($49.99 value)
  • Imagine Baby The Shade ($39.95 value)
  • yoomi - 8oz Feeding System ($37.50 value)
  • líllébaby COMPLETE Organic Carrier ($135 value)
  • Buttons Diapers 3 cloth covers and 6 daytime inserts ($54 value)

Total Value = $600+

Yummi Pouch - Reusable Food Pouches


yummi pouch reusable food pouches

Yummi Pouch Brights - 2 sets - Retail Price: $30

Yummi Pouch Brights (Set of 4) combine style and convenience in an eco-friendly container you can fill with homemade smoothies and blended snacks! Easy to fill and clean through the top zipper opening and enjoyed by drinking from the side spout, Yummi Pouch reusable food pouches are great for kids taking healthy snacks on the go. Includes set of 4 assorted patterns. For more information visit yummipouch.com.
  • Set of 4 Yummi Pouch Brights reusable food pouches
  • Dishwasher and freezer safe
  • BPA and phthalate free
  • Great for on the go snacks!
  • Hold up to 6 ounces each

Diono


diono carseat giveaway

Radian®R100 Car Seat - Retail Price: $259.99

The Radian®R100 Car Seat offers the adaptability you need to keep your child's car rides safe and comfortable for years. From birth to booster car seat, the RadianR100 fits children in the rear-facing position weighing from 5 to 40 pounds and children in the forward-facing position weighing from 20 to 65 pounds. With longevity in mind, this model converts to a booster seat for kids up to 100 pounds.
Dedicated to giving families safe and enjoyable travel experiences, Diono has more than a decade of experience producing award-winning products. Diono car seats, stroller and travel accessories continue to gain high ratings from industry experts, media and families worldwide for their unique functionality, safety innovations and thoughtful designs. For more information visit us.diono.com.

Tivoli Couture


tivoli couture

Luxury Memory Foam Stroller Liner in Emerald - Retail Price: $49.99

Tivoli CoutureT specializes in Practical LuxuryT solutions for strollers, car seats and baby carriers.
Tivoli Couture stroller liners are unlike any other stroller liner on the market today. Tivoli Couture is the original inventor of the luxury memory foam stroller liner! Our memory foam stroller liners have been evaluated and recommended by a Chiropractor to help with proper spinal alignment and support. We chose memory foam padding because of its orthopedic qualities. Memory foam is known to relieve pressure points and help promote circulation - an important feature for children sitting in their stroller for prolonged periods of time. Tivoli Couture stroller liners also help cushion the ride and help absorb stroller shock; they double as tummy time mats and changing pads - just perfect for busy parents on the go!

Our stroller liners are super trendy and are available in a number of modern designs, colors and prints. They are reversible for style, versatility and year-round comfort. For more information visit TivoliCouture.com.

Imagine Baby


imagine baby the shade

The Shade - Retail Price: $39.95 (car seat not included)

The Shade by Imagine Baby is an award winning infant car seat canopy that protects baby from outside elements and germs. It also provides baby with a shaded place for napping when on the go. Made from a soft, stretchy micropoly/Lycra material The Shade provides baby with UPF 50+ protection from the sun's harmful rays and fits easily on most infant car seats. For more information visit imaginebaby.com.
  • UPF 50 + sun protection
  • Water resistant
  • Year round use
  • Breathable
  • Flexible fit on most infant car seats
  • Easy care - machine wash cold, line dry
  • Fits into any size diaper bag

yoomi


yoomi feeding system

8oz Feeding System - Retail Price: $37.50

Yoomi was created by Farah and Jim. A mom and dad whose experiences of stumbling around the kitchen in the early hours and begging waiters for hot water when out and about inspired them to look for a better solution. The combination of Farah's inspiration and Jim's engineering skills, together with expert advice and help from friends and family, has resulted in yoomi, the bottle that warms baby feed in just 60 seconds. For more information visit yoomi.com.

lillébaby


lille baby carrier

líllébaby® COMPLETET Organic Carrier - Retail Price: $135

The future in babywearing is here! Compare the líllébaby® COMPLETET with any baby carrier and you will see why it deserves its name. COMPLETET in function, comfort, and style, this carrier grows with your family. It includes every carrying position and ensures your baby is positioned ergonomically correct in every setting. It's all about options - it's COMPLETET!
Resonating the Scandinavian values of quality of life, honesty, and a love for nature's beauty, líllébaby strives to make baby products that bring this functional style to parents, anywhere. We wish parents to attain the simple luxury of keeping their baby close while building a natural bond, in perfect comfort and style. Soft, luxurious organic fabrics for treasured moments. Made with 100% soft-brushed organic cotton and lined with luxurious, 100% organic sateen cotton.

Designed with the unsurpassed functionality and comfort of the líllébaby® COMPLETET baby carrier line. The perfect baby carrier For more information visit lillebaby.com.

Buttons Cloth Diapers

buttons cloth diapers

3 cloth covers and 6 daytime inserts - Retail Price: $54
Tangerine, Lavender, & Apple

Buttons Cloth Diapers were born at home. As a husband and wife team, we designed our diapers to be easy to use and affordable for everyone - the way it should be. We believe in keeping our lives simple, even when it comes to diapering.

Buttons Diapers feature soft, leak-proof, and durable diaper covers. The double-gussets around the legs keeps the mess in, so your little one can run, jump, climb, and sleep while your mind is at ease. Elastic at the back and tummy makes a custom fit. The durable snaps allow the covers to adjust to fit any baby (approximately 9-35 lbs.). And, they come in many adorable colors! For more information visit buttonsdiapers.com.


Enter to Win this Fabulous Set of Prizes!

One Winner will be selected October 3rd. Have fun and good luck!


On The Go Giveaway prizes





Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Mom's Library Making Math Fun



Welcome to Mom's Library!


Filled with parenting tips, activities for young children, devotionals, crafts, recipes, and more!
Check back again and again to see the new posts!

(We have a great Giveaway too!)

 If you enjoy the link party, please follow Life with Moore Babies by email or RSS feed.

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My Features This Week! 




Coffee Cups and Crayons shares some fun ways to get kids moving with math!



Coffee Cups and Crayons also shared a fun game of apple bowling.



Enchanted Homeschooling Mom has a great printable to help kids learning about money.



3 Dinosaurs has cute printable math houses for learning math facts!



The Measured Mom created a cute printable preschool game for learning math.



The Measured Mom also shared these printable monster flip cards for teaching missing addends. 



If I have featured you please feel free to grab my featured button!

For more great features visit my fellow Librarians (Please follow them too!):



Want to see all the great posts added last week? Click HERE to see the whole collection!

Want to see even more featured posts? Follow the Mom's Library Pinterest Board!


Our Great Giveaway this week comes from Always Ice Cream/ Clever Dragons! An interactive, educational website for kids! For more information head over to Ready-Set-Read!


The creators of Always Ice Cream/ Clever Dragons is giving away a one child lifetime membership, but they are also offering all of our readers a coupon code for up to 46% percent off! Just enter MOMSBLOG13 at checkout!




Would you like to Participate?


If you are new and would like to link up please checkout the Mom's Library Page.Support your fellow bloggers and comment on at least 2 other links.

Thank you for participating; we love to see your ideas! Please grab the button and share!


parents as teachers

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