Author Archives: Adriana Zoder

Feb 11 2014

Alpha-Phonics and How to Tutor Review

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When it comes to the early grades, the 3Rs remain the focus of any schools, including homeschools. The 3Rs are Reading, ‘Riting and ‘Rithmetic. A few months ago, I discovered a curriculum that covers all three Rs effectively and does not break the bank, either: Alpha-Phonics and its predecessor, How to Tutor.

Samuel Blumenfeld, the creator of these programs, looked for ways to help tutors with their students in after-school programs. That’s how he put together How to Tutor. As the homeschooling movement took off, parents asked for the same program tailored to a homeschool setting. Alpha-Phonics was born.

Alpha-Phonics Textbook, Workbook, Readers and How to Tutor the 3Rs Set

One lucky winner will win the Alpha-Phonics Textbook, Workbook, Readers and How to Tutor the 3Rs Set

In the world of phonics curricula, one cannot find a more basic or straight-forward curriculum. The textbook contains no pictures to confuse the child and make her build word-picture-sound associations. The direct connection between the letter and its sounds establishes a solid foundation for reading.

Now that the phonics textbook is also available as a CD-ROM, which you receive at no extra charge when you purchase the paper copy, you can take this program with you anywhere and keep your homeschool going as you travel.

The program comes with 10 readers which follow along the textbook: five are pink and five are yellow. My son, who is a kindergartner reading on a fourth grade level, has enjoyed reading through them already. But they don’t have to be all used in kindergarten, obviously. They can be used as your student advances through the textbook.

How to Tutor offers a Cursive Writing Practice Book, too, for those of us determined to keep cursive alive.

A complete program that works at all ages, Alpha-Phonics and How to Tutor can teach you how to teach Phonics, Arithmetic and Handwriting. So, next time somebody asks you how you can teach without a teaching degree, you can tell them that you studied under a teacher of teachers, Samuel Blumenfeld.

Be sure to sign up for our quarterly e-newsletter on the right, so you can be entered in this giveaway which ends March 1. There will be four winners, each receiving a different homeschool curriculum.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of the Alpha-Phonics and How to Tutor programs for review purposes. I only recommend products we use in our homeschool.

Feb 10 2014

Mom Monday 6 – Thoughts on the Olympics

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The Winter Olympics have started in Sochi, Russia, and it is impossible to ignore them. I have let the children watch a bit of the competition. They also colored some Olympics-themed pictures. I suppose it counts for arts and crafts in our homeschool.

Mom Monday Series on Homeschool Ways - Thoughts on the Olympics

Random thoughts about the Winter Olympics:

  • Sochi is so close to Romania, my home country – just on the other side of the Black Sea. It makes me a bit homesick.
  • The P&G commercial brings tears to my eyes every time I see it. “For teaching us that falling only makes us stronger, thank you, Mom.” I must keep this link close by for those days when I get tired of the mom job. 
  • I can’t imagine what these olympians’ moms are feeling. Overwhelming pride and joy, of course, among other things like fear of injury.
  • During the Opening Ceremony, one of the American commentators remarked that Russia’s most amazing cultural accomplishments (art, music, ballet, literature) happened during turbulent times. The lesson for us? Adversity stirs up creativity. Those tough homeschooling days you have now and then, they could be the very times you produce your best results.
  • I don’t think Ashley Wagner should have been given the privilege of representing the US at Sochi. I understand the issue is not black and white. I wish her well, but I predict she will not medal in her individual event. Have you seen her competition?
  • The snowboarding dudes and dudettes are an inspiration. They are so relaxed.
  • Sage won the Snowboarding Slopestyle event by bringing in his own style. It teaches me that I need to take this thing called homeschooling and make it my own. I don’t need to be a purist classical homeschooler or a purist Charlotte Mason homeschooler or a purist anything. Instead, I need to learn what can be done and adapt it to our own situation. Wait, I’m already doing that. I am an eclectic homeschooler.

Continue reading »

Feb 9 2014

Science, Not Exactly My Cup of Tea

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Words do come easy to me. Science, well, that’s another thing altogether. Science is the subject I struggle with the most in our homeschool. So I delegate it to:

Let me put it this way: I made good grades in science when I was in school because I studied hard for every subject, but I did not enjoy science.

Science experiment - dad and children

Daddy working with the kids on a science project. I gladly stood nearby, watched and took pictures.

The only science I enjoyed was Chemistry, especially Organic Chemistry, which we studied in the 11th grade in Romania. But I did not like Biology or Physics.

I just could not wrap my mind around mechanics. Oh, I could memorize facts and formulas and apply them to problems so that I could solve them and get a good grade on a test.

But it took me a long time to understand that if two trains are running in a similar direction, they approach each other at Speed 1 minus Speed 2, for instance. The weird thing is, I had no problem getting the concept that if these trains were to run toward each other, they would approach each other at Speed 1 plus Speed 2. Go figure.

For me, it is a lot easier to read a good piece of literature or to memorize the conjugation of French verbs. I love memorizing vocabulary and grammar rules. I thrive on it. But science? Eh, I could skip over it any day.

Thankfully, a homeschooling mom does not have to teach everything. So, I delegate science.

When my kids are studying with science4us.com, I just sit on the sidelines and answer questions, if need be. When daddy teaches them, I just watch and record it in my homeschool planner and record book. When my son is taking a homeschool science class at Ripley’s Aquarium, I sit back and enjoy. That is my strategy and I’m sticking to it.

To see what other moms struggle with in their homeschool, click the picture below.

Subject Struggle

Feb 7 2014

5 Facts About My First Kindle Book

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I am excited to announce the publication of my first Amazon Kindle book later this month. Homeschool Ways will keep you posted when my book will come out and when it is available for free, so please come back soon.

Kindle Paperwhite

My Kindle Paperwhite, which has come to dwell with me and my keyboard Kindle.

Here are 5 facts you may want to know about my first Kindle book:

  • coming out later this month
  • dealing with how to homeschool through the preschool years
  • presenting up-to-date resources and methods
  • written from a fresh, down-to-earth perspective
  • downloadable for free for the first five days

Don’t have a Kindle? Get one here. Or, sign up for the Kindle app for free.

On second thought, who needs diamonds and pearls for Valentine’s? Tell him to get you a Kindle. All the books you can read on it are like diamonds and pearls for your mind and heart.

If you know a mom with preschoolers, please tell her about this upcoming book. And thank you in advance!

Feb 6 2014

Birthday Month Giveaway Extravaganza

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March 2, 2014 update: emails have been sent out to four lucky winners. First come, first served. The quicker you pick your curriculum and answer the email, the more chances you have to win the curriculum you want.

Since February is my birthday month, I will give away four curricula, one for each week of the month. Sign up for email updates through March 1, please.

The drawing will happen on March 2, 2014. I will contact the winners by email. You have three days to claim your prize. First come, first served. Please check your emails on March 2. Then, I will announce the winners on the blog.

Next week, I will publish individual posts about each curriculum set, except Schoolhouse Teachers, which I reviewed back in December. In no particular order:

Please stay tuned for the reviews.

To participate, sign up for email updates in the menu on the right or click here. Bonus: upon signing up, you will receive my ebook, “21 Days to Jumpstart Your Homeschool.”

I send out a quarterly e-newsletter and an occasional email if I have news. Please sign up with an email address you check regularly. If you don’t claim your prize in three days, I will have another drawing.

Feb 3 2014

Mom Monday Week 5 – The Homeschool Mom’s Bible

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A daily devotional time helps me a lot on this journey called homeschooling. The question is not, “Should I spend the time every day?” but “What exactly should I read?”

When I heard about the Homeschooling Mom’s Bible by Zondervan and Alpha Omega Publications, I knew that’s what I wanted to read this year. I could even choose a King James Version. (My affiliate link is NIV. They may have run out of KJV.)

I love the King James Version of the Bible. It’s so dignified – the way God’s words ought to be.

The Homeschool Mom Bible - The daily devotional pages got embedded into a KJV Bible published by Zondervan and Alpha Omega Publications.

My devotional this year, written by Janet Tatman, got embedded into a KJV Bible published by Zondervan and Alpha Omega Publications.

Written by Janet Tatman, you can find this devotional for free under the blog section of Alpha Omega Publications’ website.

Mom Monday Series on Homeschool Ways

That does not work for me, because they publish the devotionals one day at a time and I don’t read just one page a day. I read as many as it takes. Continue reading »

Jan 30 2014

Valentine’s Day Homemade Candy

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Homeschooling allows for lots of time spent together in the kitchen, so here’s a science lesson with sweet lab results…

What says Valentine’s Day better than a homemade chocolate treat? Here’s a recipe I found in a magazine three years ago, which has been a great success with my family. There is a time to eat healthy and there is a time to enjoy a treat. This is the latter time.

 

Peanut Butter Chocolate Bonbons

Mix 1 cup creamy peanut butter, 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, 5 Tbs. unsalted butter, at room temperature, and 1/2 tsp. vanilla in a large bowl.

Knead mixture until smooth, adding up to 1/2 cup more powdered sugar to prevent sticking.

My three-year-old daughter kneads the peanut butter and powdered sugar.

My three-year-old daughter kneads the peanut butter and powdered sugar.

Roll dough into 1” balls and set on a wax paper-lined cookie sheet; chill 1 hour.

Here are the peanut butter balls getting ready to chill in the refrigerator for one hour.

Here are the peanut butter balls getting ready to chill in the refrigerator for one hour.

Line 2 more cookie sheets with wax paper; set aside. Place assorted sprinkles in shallow bowls.

Microwave 1 1/2 cups light cocoa candy melts, stirring every 15 seconds, until smooth. I used a double-boiler because I find it easier.

Drop the balls 5 at a time in the melted chocolate to coat. Removed balls with a fork allowing excess chocolate to drip off. Roll balls in sprinkles to coat. Place on the lined cookie sheets. Repeat with the remaining balls, then chill until chocolate is set. Makes about 40 bonbons.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Bonbons

The last step is the most laborious and you will remember why you only do this once a year. Not just because they are so rich…

I promise your homeschool will be very cheerful the day you make this recipe with the children and then enjoy it with them and hubby.

Valentine's Day RoundUp

Jan 28 2014

Get 20% off Plus Free Shipping at Alpha Omega Publications

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One of the reasons I homeschool is that I believe in delayed academics. Preschool and kindergarten seem incredibly overrated nowadays, probably because I went to school at six and a half. It was called first grade and I did fine.

Horizons Preschool (K4) Curriculum Set

There is a time to order a curriculum set in a box – like when you don’t have time or energy to hunt for free printables online, as nice as they are.

Preschool does not mean worksheets, but worksheets may be a part of a solid preschool experience. So what does a proper preschool experience look like?

  • free play with simple toys (no batteries, please)
  • time spent outside – nature walks, playground, gardening, tricycle riding
  • story time at the library
  • parents reading appropriate books out loud, at least 20 minutes daily
  • painting
  • drawing with crayons or chalk
  • sculpting with play dough (here’s a recipe)
  • helping in the kitchen
  • dusting furniture
  • helping with laundry
  • listening to classical and sacred music
  • singing
  • introduction to family’s religious values
  • cleaning up play room and own bedroom
  • some worksheets if preschooler shows interest

My preschooler is a girl who loves worksheets. For next year, I ordered the Horizons Preschool Curriculum Set from Alpha-Omega Publications. Since I don’t always have the time or energy to look for appropriate free printables online, I wanted a reliable source of “seatwork” I can reach for whenever she says, “I want to do school.”

Their sample sheets online gave me a good idea of what the books will be like. However, it was my first time dealing with this company and I had more in-depth questions. I did not want to order online until I spoke with someone. The lady who helped me was super nice.

If you, too, would like to ask questions and, maybe, order over the phone, call Kathy Nelson at Alpha Omega Publications. Her direct number is 1-800-811-8066 Ext # 4336. I receive no kickbacks from recommending her or this product.

Jan 27 2014

Mom Monday Week 4 – Are You A Teacher?

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After my father-in-law’s memorial service, a friend of the family told me how impressed she was with my six-year-old son, who had the courage to stand in front of a hundred people and read Psalm 23. “Does he go to the local school?” “No, he doesn’t,” I replied. “We homeschool.”

Mom Monday Series on Homeschool Ways

She looked perplexed. “Are you a teacher?” I told her that I have a degree in publications and that teaching one’s children at home does not require a teaching degree or a teaching license. If you can read, write and do basic math, you can pick up a primer and take it from there.

Her body language told me she did not understand. She congratulated me for having the courage to take on the task of homeschooling. I said, “That’s exactly what it takes. Courage.”

Mom reads to infant baby girl

I have read to my children since infancy. Here’s my daughter in October 2010, enjoying some reading with mom before bedtime.

I walked away from that conversation feeling secure with my choice to homeschool. In my mind, homeschooling starts at birth or even before. Pre-natal influences can start a baby on the right path, or not. I know because, for three years, I worked with teenagers who had been diagnosed with fetal alcohol syndrome at birth.  Continue reading »

Jan 24 2014

5 Days of Homeschool Essentials, Day 5 – Craft Materials

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(This post on craft materials as homeschooling essentials contains affiliate links. Read my full disclosure here.)

Even high school students need poster board, right? And some fancy-schmancy markers? But when you homeschool elementary and preschool kids, like I do, craft materials become an essential. I would even put this before a few others I have mentioned. So last, but not least, here’s my #5 homeschooling essential: craft materials.

A simple Google search will reveal all sorts of ideas for crafts. For those of us who are craft-challenged, a curriculum like Home Art Studio will be worth every penny. Some of the projects you see here came from their DVD. I plan to do a full review on this curriculum in February.

Children mix red and yellow paint to obtain orange.

My kids mixed red and yellow to make orange, then painted small paper plates orange. They were so proud of their creations.

Small children love crafts and they develop so many skills through cutting and pasting, threading and buttoning, matching and measuring. Crafts are the perfect activity during which they have fun and learn at the same time, without realizing they are doing so.

Happy Sun - a simple craft project

Crafts don’t have to be difficult: paint a whole paper orange, let it dry, draw a circle, cut it out. Also, cut out triangles and mount on blue construction paper. Add details like eyes, mouth and clouds.

Your craft cabinet should contain inexpensive items (Dollar Stores come to mind) like:

  • scissors
  • glue
  • construction paper
  • scrap paper in different colors
  • card stock
  • crayons
  • markers
  • paint (different types)
  • brushes (different sizes)
  • stickers
  • play dough
Purple play dough flower, with stem and leaves

My daughter and I made purple play dough. It’s her favorite color. Then, we cut it out with our flower shape. We rolled the stem. For the leaves, we flattened bits of play dough.

Simple household items you already have will come in handy, like:

  • egg cartons (make sure they are clean)
  • paper plates
  • scotch tape
  • a stapler
  • cereal boxes
  • yarn
  • a hole puncher
  • brown paper bags
  • raffia
  • manila folders
Hand prints in primary colors

Another simple project: kids love tracing their own hands. Then, have them paint them.

Here’s my suggestion: bite the bullet and invest in the ultimate Crayola Play Doh set. Then, the only thing you need to do is make your own play dough every six months. It’s certainly cheaper than buying it. Bonus: you appear even bigger and wiser to your children for producing play dough right in your kitchen. By the way, they will love to help you measure and knead.

Need a simple play dough recipe? Here it is:

1 cup flour

1/2 c salt

1 tablespoon cream of tartar

1 cup water

1 tablespoon oil

food coloring

Cook in saucepan over medium heat until mixture pulls away from sides of pan and becomes like play dough in consistency. Knead until cool. It will stay soft in airtight container. No need to refrigerate.

For more essentials, check out these blogs from my friends at the TOS Review Crew below:

Laura @ Day by Day in Our World

Julie @ Nurturing Learning

Lisa @ Farm Fresh Adventures

DaLynn @ For the Display of His Splendor

Lori @ At Home: where life happens

Nicole @ Journey to Excellence

Brandy @ Kingdom Academy Homeschool

Meg @ Adventures with Jude

Sarah @ Delivering Grace
5 Days of Homeschooling Essentials