"I Just Like to Homeschool. Homeschooling's My Favorite."

I know homeschooling moms who are professional writers, lawyers, musicians, nurses, pilots, actors, therapists, artists, designers, etc.  I am not one of those.  I'm just a homeschool mom, but...

(said like Buddy in the movie Elf) ... 

"I just like to homeschool.  Homeschooling's my favorite."

If you've seen the movie, you'll remember the scene where this exchange takes place:

Toy Store Manager - "Why are you smiling?"
Buddy the Elf - "I just like to smile... smiling's my favorite"
Toy Store Manager - "Make work your favorite.  That's your favorite. OK?  Work's your new favorite."

There have been times when friends, acquaintances, and even strangers have played the part of the 'Toy Store Manager' in my happy homeschool haven.  Some are offended at the thought of people educating their own children, some don't understand what home education is or don't want to know, and many (and I don't blame them) have met or seen some unusual or even 'creepy' families who label themselves as 'homeschoolers'.

That's OK.  I don't mind.  Really.  I don't mind.  I'm just a mom, doing the best I can; and I'm sure they are too.  So, go ahead and ask me why I homeschool.  I have a million reasons, but I'll probably just say...

"I just like to homeschool.  Homeschooling's my favorite."

MMM...Monday Motivational Mocha #2

M.M.M.  :  MondayMotivationalMocha is simply something 'syrupy sweet' you can do with your children/students.  Have a great month with your home school and add the MMM if you have time.

 

MMM Activity - Nature Walk:  Take a Nature Walk! Spend some time marveling at God's handiwork. 

 

Genesis 1:1 In the beginning GOD CREATED the heavens and the earth.

 

Now Choose :  Decaf or Regular

 

MMM Decaf -

Take a walk in your neighborhood, park or nature trail.  Take time to 'smell the roses'.  Look for signs of spring - sights, sounds and smells.

 

Discuss these questions : 

What was the most interesting/beautiful/wild thing you saw on your walk?

What things did you see that will be different/gone by the end of summer?

Do you think we enjoy God's creation as much as He enjoyed creating it?

 

MMM Regular  - Start with decaf and then take it to the limit!!

 

Complete the activities & discussion questions above, then choose 1, 2 , 4 (or more) of the following :

 

1.  Read about CREATION - Genesis Chapter 1&2 (you could take a break during your walk to do this) 

2.  Search the Bible for more verses about creation/nature.

3.  Collect 1 or 2 nature items on your walk to identify later. (you could use these items in a craft project)  - Email me if you need any ideas...I don't want to bore everyone with my 'crafty' rambling.

4.  Take pictures of your favorite objects in nature.  Write a poem, song or acrostic to go with your favorite photo.

5.  Plant something.  Take pictures 1 time a week/month to see the progress.

6.  Take a field trip to a nature center.

7.  Research  :  What does it mean to 'have a green thumb'?  Where did that phrase come from?

8.  Serve/Volunteer  :  Help a neighbor/local church weed their flowerbeds. 

 

Teachers (Moms)  -  If you've never read A Pocketful of Pinecones by Karen Andreola, I highly recommend it.  Enjoy His Creation (including your kids).

 

Let your creative juices (coffee, of course) flow!

 

Blessings to you & yours -

MMM...Monday Motivational Mocha #1

MMM...Monday Motivational Mocha is simply something 'syrupy sweet' you can do with your children/students each week.  Don't let these ideas become a source of frustration or stress.....do it, don't, save it or pass it on - no big deal.  Just have a great week with your homeschool and add the MMM if you have time.

 

MMM Activity #1- Name Your School - Even though your school is your home & the world around you, you are a real school!

 

Now Choose :  Decaf or Regular

 

MMM Decaf -

 

As a family, brainstorm ideas about naming your homeschool.  You may want to have some boundaries on this unless you want your school name to be .....'Play All Day & Eat Snacks School of Learning'. 

Let it be a group effort and then either vote or let the principal have the veto/deciding power.  You could even have older students send out an email to friends and family and let them also vote.  If you already have a school name, choose 1 activity from the list below.

 

MMM Regular  -

 

Same as above (decaf), except take it to the limit!!! After you name your school :

 

Make up a motto or choose a scripture that represents your school

Choose or create your own mascot

Choose or write a school song

Make a sign, letterhead, or T-shirt for your school

Let your creative juices (coffee, of course) flow!

 

Blessings to you & yours -

The Home School Momster (Stacey)

 

I'd love to hear about what you & your kids come up with.  Please comment with your school names if you get a chance.