The new site isn't 100% yet, but we're working hard!! Every time I've visited over the last couple of days, Jeanne has changed the looks - she's been working so hard - thanks so much!!
But, the blog IS set up, and although we're working on transferring all these files to that blog, ALL of the new posts will be found there.
Again, www.sonbeams.com is where you can keep up with all the new blogging. The blog link is on the right hand side of the screen.
Members - I'm working on getting the file links inserted into the Member's Only page. Be looking for an email from me over the weekend with the page password. This is all so new to me, I'm having to email Jeanne about everything it seems.... :)
Email me if you have any questions - sonbeams (at) heaveninourhomes.com.
"Mrs. Candace"
Friday, August 22, 2008
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Sonbeams is moving....
In case I missed any Sonbeams members, and you visit Sonbeams.com for your files - the new site will be under construction from Wednesday night through Saturday possibly.
I've had a wonderful lady offer her services by designing a new site in Word Press - where everything can be at one location.
Please understand this is time consuming as I have to refill all the pages, and in a program that I know NOTHING about!
I'll will work as quickly as possible, but in case you need any files before everything is complete, you can find the old site at: www.heaveninourhomes.com/Sonbeams.html. This is only the link to the Member's Only page where the files are located.
Once the new site is 100%, I'll post another notice on this blog - and from then on out, all blogging will be found at the new site. This address is be www.sonbeams.com.
If you have any questions over the next few days, please don't hesitate to email me at sonbeams(at)heaveninourhomes.com.
Candace
I've had a wonderful lady offer her services by designing a new site in Word Press - where everything can be at one location.
Please understand this is time consuming as I have to refill all the pages, and in a program that I know NOTHING about!
I'll will work as quickly as possible, but in case you need any files before everything is complete, you can find the old site at: www.heaveninourhomes.com/Sonbeams.html. This is only the link to the Member's Only page where the files are located.
Once the new site is 100%, I'll post another notice on this blog - and from then on out, all blogging will be found at the new site. This address is be www.sonbeams.com.
If you have any questions over the next few days, please don't hesitate to email me at sonbeams(at)heaveninourhomes.com.
Candace
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Learning your name and address
One thing I began teaching my children very early was their address. Not that I plan on ever losing them, but best be prepared.
When I taught in preschool, we used a familiar song - changed a few notes around - and had the Name and Address song!
Take the song, "Rain, Rain, Go Away" and insert the following:
My name is (first) (last name),
This is my address:
(1-2-3, Number Lane)
(Anytown, any... state).
Remember, you WILL have to change a few notes/ beats around, but we haven't had an address yet that we couldn't make work!
This is a great way for young children to be able to share their names and addresses with the RIGHT people when necessary.
When I taught in preschool, we used a familiar song - changed a few notes around - and had the Name and Address song!
Take the song, "Rain, Rain, Go Away" and insert the following:
My name is (first) (last name),
This is my address:
(1-2-3, Number Lane)
(Anytown, any... state).
Remember, you WILL have to change a few notes/ beats around, but we haven't had an address yet that we couldn't make work!
This is a great way for young children to be able to share their names and addresses with the RIGHT people when necessary.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Upcoming changes
Sonbeams is under construction so to speak, and at some point in this upcoming week - I hope to have that completed!
A new Word Press site is being built, courtesy of Jeanne from Devine-Designs, where the blog, website, guides and products will all be available at the same website.
That said, if you are needing files from the Member's Only page, print up what you need - because it might take a day or two to transfer over the new site to the www.sonbeams.com location.
Have a blessed week!
A new Word Press site is being built, courtesy of Jeanne from Devine-Designs, where the blog, website, guides and products will all be available at the same website.
That said, if you are needing files from the Member's Only page, print up what you need - because it might take a day or two to transfer over the new site to the www.sonbeams.com location.
Have a blessed week!
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Dramatic PlayTime Ideas
One thing I remember LOVING to do as a child was play pretend to be a mommy. Either with my baby dolls, or ironing board, or little shopping cart.
Even as an older child, my mom would allow my brother and myself to pull all of our clothes out of the closet and set up shop in the living room.
Years ago, while in Florida as a nanny, the family and I went to a place (sorry, I don't remember the name) where children can pretend to be adults. They had a TV station, cars, library, even a mini grocery store!
I got to thinking (since my children play with the shopping cart that I had as a girl), why can't they play store too?
It was very easy to set up for - and I didn't have to spend any money! How's that??
Well, we eat groceries anyway don't we? Why not use those boxes for your child to have a very realistic grocery store of their own!
I began opening packages a little more carefully - oatmeal, cereal, and spaghetti boxes, washing out milk cartons and sauce jars - and before long, we had a mini grocery store - For FREE!
We pretend to do the 'beep beep' sound as we scan our items over a book on the table, and use play money ($1's and $5's) to pay.
My children love to fill up their buggy and shop away. We even shopped smart at a small local chain - and received free shopping bags for buying certain products (that we'd use anyway).
So they even have the nice shopping totes with handles!
The only downside is where to store things, but we keep our groceries in a large box in our school room. With the lid on top, I can stack things on top if I need more room.
PS - I'd love to hear from some of you that have started your schooling already!! I know you're all busy, but maybe just a quick "Hi, we've started here in ....."??
Even as an older child, my mom would allow my brother and myself to pull all of our clothes out of the closet and set up shop in the living room.
Years ago, while in Florida as a nanny, the family and I went to a place (sorry, I don't remember the name) where children can pretend to be adults. They had a TV station, cars, library, even a mini grocery store!
I got to thinking (since my children play with the shopping cart that I had as a girl), why can't they play store too?
It was very easy to set up for - and I didn't have to spend any money! How's that??
Well, we eat groceries anyway don't we? Why not use those boxes for your child to have a very realistic grocery store of their own!
I began opening packages a little more carefully - oatmeal, cereal, and spaghetti boxes, washing out milk cartons and sauce jars - and before long, we had a mini grocery store - For FREE!
We pretend to do the 'beep beep' sound as we scan our items over a book on the table, and use play money ($1's and $5's) to pay.
My children love to fill up their buggy and shop away. We even shopped smart at a small local chain - and received free shopping bags for buying certain products (that we'd use anyway).
So they even have the nice shopping totes with handles!
The only downside is where to store things, but we keep our groceries in a large box in our school room. With the lid on top, I can stack things on top if I need more room.
PS - I'd love to hear from some of you that have started your schooling already!! I know you're all busy, but maybe just a quick "Hi, we've started here in ....."??
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Number 1
On week 2 of your lesson guides, the number of the week is the number 1.
As my mind keeps on rolling AFTER the files are completed and loaded online - there's always one or two things that I don't know how I overlooked!
That's where the blog comes in handy I guess. :)
So, an extra number study for Week 2 if you feel up to it:
A familiar story in the Bible using the number 1 is the story of Jesus feeding the multitudes with "1" little boy's lunch!
We are to offer ourselves for the Lord's work. As Christ died to Himself on the cross, we are to die to ourselves, our selfish selves - and live to love and serve God.
This little boy did just that. As you'll learn on Thursday, we are all members of ONE body. We are all part of Christ, but each have our own service for Him.
God called this little boy to place others before himself. I'm sure he was hungry, but he saw the need, and gave what he could to the Lord.
Our children are little, but isn't the kingdom of Heaven made up of children and child like faith?!
Didn't God use this child, and didn't He use child David?
Encourage your children to open their hearts and lay down their lives to serve God in all they do. It might seem like something simple (a lunch), but it could touch thousands!
As my mind keeps on rolling AFTER the files are completed and loaded online - there's always one or two things that I don't know how I overlooked!
That's where the blog comes in handy I guess. :)
So, an extra number study for Week 2 if you feel up to it:
A familiar story in the Bible using the number 1 is the story of Jesus feeding the multitudes with "1" little boy's lunch!
We are to offer ourselves for the Lord's work. As Christ died to Himself on the cross, we are to die to ourselves, our selfish selves - and live to love and serve God.
This little boy did just that. As you'll learn on Thursday, we are all members of ONE body. We are all part of Christ, but each have our own service for Him.
God called this little boy to place others before himself. I'm sure he was hungry, but he saw the need, and gave what he could to the Lord.
Our children are little, but isn't the kingdom of Heaven made up of children and child like faith?!
Didn't God use this child, and didn't He use child David?
Encourage your children to open their hearts and lay down their lives to serve God in all they do. It might seem like something simple (a lunch), but it could touch thousands!
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Keep it easy
Well, we're into our 2nd week of school, and I've noticed we have a problem.
School is rather difficult with a 4, 2 1/2, and 1 year old - not to mention being pregnant too.
After trying things different ways and only resulting in stress, I believe I've finally come up with a solution that will work for us and our family schooling time.
My main stressor is a messy house. And just what do you think 3 children equal?? A messy house - constantly!
My 2nd stressor - not being able to do anything with my older two school wise without the baby getting into mischief in the school room.
The other day we had two casualties - he managed to chew off the tips of two new markers and was eating them. Well, maybe he was trying to make purple from red and blue?? BTW - Crayons are a favorite chew toy for him too!
Finally the light went off - what have I been sharing here and on my other sites?? Keep it simple, keep it fun!
I've been trying to stick to the routine, and neglecting that life is life. But who says life has to be school from 9 to 12, or whatever schedule you follow?
So... we're going a different, easier route for us. Yes, we'll still start our morning the same as normal - but we're going to COMPLETE that routine.
I've tried to have the children learn to have their own little schedule of things to follow each morning, but became lax in sticking to it. From now on, our mornings are going to be a time of cleaning our rooms (they help one another pick up and make beds - all I have to do is pull the far side of the sheet up), while I clean up the breakfast dishes.
Then we'll all clean the living room together. At 10:30, we take a break and enjoy a show on PBS called "Word World". All the characters and main background images are made of letters. The pig is actually the pink letters PIG - and looks like a pig.
I wasn't impressed when I first saw it, but my little ones have loved this show. I've been amazed at how they've picked up on letter sounds, and want to 'build a word!'
Just remember to use discretion - some shows have attitudes that I don't allow my children to display, and my oldest has thankfully learned well what is right and wrong. He will leave the room when they make fun of one another, or are hateful, or if it's scary.
He's so sweet and innocent. Should I discourage that, is it a weakness? NO! It's his heart being open to the Lord's spirit. If it's something that grieves the Holy Spirit, then by all means it should grieve my children!
Anyway, I just wanted to share this show - there are a lot of cute episodes that really teach young preschoolers their ABC's and sounds.
From now on, we might have a little school here and there, but for the most part during the day, we'll focus on life's lessons/ responsibilities - and have school time with the older two once Daddy gets home.
Don't stress - keep it fun - and they'll learn and love it!
School is rather difficult with a 4, 2 1/2, and 1 year old - not to mention being pregnant too.
After trying things different ways and only resulting in stress, I believe I've finally come up with a solution that will work for us and our family schooling time.
My main stressor is a messy house. And just what do you think 3 children equal?? A messy house - constantly!
My 2nd stressor - not being able to do anything with my older two school wise without the baby getting into mischief in the school room.
The other day we had two casualties - he managed to chew off the tips of two new markers and was eating them. Well, maybe he was trying to make purple from red and blue?? BTW - Crayons are a favorite chew toy for him too!
Finally the light went off - what have I been sharing here and on my other sites?? Keep it simple, keep it fun!
I've been trying to stick to the routine, and neglecting that life is life. But who says life has to be school from 9 to 12, or whatever schedule you follow?
So... we're going a different, easier route for us. Yes, we'll still start our morning the same as normal - but we're going to COMPLETE that routine.
I've tried to have the children learn to have their own little schedule of things to follow each morning, but became lax in sticking to it. From now on, our mornings are going to be a time of cleaning our rooms (they help one another pick up and make beds - all I have to do is pull the far side of the sheet up), while I clean up the breakfast dishes.
Then we'll all clean the living room together. At 10:30, we take a break and enjoy a show on PBS called "Word World". All the characters and main background images are made of letters. The pig is actually the pink letters PIG - and looks like a pig.
I wasn't impressed when I first saw it, but my little ones have loved this show. I've been amazed at how they've picked up on letter sounds, and want to 'build a word!'
Just remember to use discretion - some shows have attitudes that I don't allow my children to display, and my oldest has thankfully learned well what is right and wrong. He will leave the room when they make fun of one another, or are hateful, or if it's scary.
He's so sweet and innocent. Should I discourage that, is it a weakness? NO! It's his heart being open to the Lord's spirit. If it's something that grieves the Holy Spirit, then by all means it should grieve my children!
Anyway, I just wanted to share this show - there are a lot of cute episodes that really teach young preschoolers their ABC's and sounds.
From now on, we might have a little school here and there, but for the most part during the day, we'll focus on life's lessons/ responsibilities - and have school time with the older two once Daddy gets home.
Don't stress - keep it fun - and they'll learn and love it!
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