Friday, August 22, 2008

New site = new blog

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"

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

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.

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!

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 ....."??

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!

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!

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Welcome new members!

To bring everyone up to speed, I'd like to first welcome all the new Sonbeams members! Feel free to comment, or ask questions by comment at any time.

Here in our home, we're at least one week ahead of you all, just to be sure I haven't missed anything in the curriculum guides.

For anyone new, these guides will walk you step by step as you homeschool your child. I'll show you HOW to teach them in a way they understand!

This week, we're learning: B, 1, Orange, and our Scripture verse is Acts 16:31 "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved".

We'll discuss the first day of creation, the first commandment, have hands on activities for fun as well as minister to others.

You can relate to last week's guide 'In the beginning...', when the earth was void, empty - ZERO. This week will be 'Beginning' for B, and the first day of creation for the number 1.

Later in the week I'll share a hands on activity for our visitors outside of the guides.

To be a part of our Member's Only section, visit www.sonbeams.com, and find the chalkboard "Join Now".

For only a limited time, I'm offering a low introductory rate of only $20 for 26 weeks of daily lesson guides! These will eliminate questions such as: Can I afford to homeschool - isn't it expensive to buy all that stuff? How do I get started? What do I do? How do I teach my child?
Can you preschool a toddler at home?

It's not hard - when you have the right stuff. You'll find it here at Sonbeams, and it's affordable for stay at home moms (I'm one myself!).

Welcome again to our new members and don't be shy, join in our the posts!
Candace

Thursday, August 7, 2008

A is for Applesauce!

Oh, the letter A - there's lot of relations between it and our studies this week.

As we began, "In the beginning.... "

Although the number Adam wasn't created on day 1, he still was the first person (even though we're not on number 1 either). A is the first letter, Adam was the first human.

And... although the Bible doesn't say the apple was the forbidden fruit, that's what we generally associate it as - so the apple is part of our lesson guides this week.

One activity that's fun for little ones to participate in, and yummy to eat is applesauce. (Just be sure to point out that the apples are not forbidden!) :)

Here's a couple of recipes:

Recipe 1
  • 4 medium cooking apples (1 1/3 lb.), peeled and cut into fourths
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar or 3 to 4 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg

Heat apples and water to boiling in a 2 quart saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally; reduce heat.

Simmer uncovered 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to break up apples, until tender.

Stir in remaining ingredients. Heat to boiling. Boil and stir 1 minute.

1 serving - 1/2 cup. 90 calories. Diet exchange 1 1/2 fruit.

Recipe 2

  • 3 to 4 sweet apples, peeled and cored.
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 tsp. cinnamon

Cut apples into quarters - then the quarters in half. Place in saucepan, adding water and cinnamon - cover and simmer for 20 minutes (or until tender). Mash with a potato masher or fork, or beat in blender. Cool and eat.

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Our first week

Well, the wonderful part of homeschooling is that it's flexible!

As much as I (and my 4 year old) would love to really dive into 'school', that just does NOT happen with an almost 1 year old!

Our 3rd day into the first week of school, and we have yet to have 1 full complete day! :)

We've still had lots of fun! Of course, beginning our day in prayer and reading the Bible. I need this discipline, and this year it's much easier to get the older two to sit and listen.

I am taking a different approach this school year though. We're only reading the Letter verse of the week and the number verse of the week. This week that would be verses relating to "0".

Chalkboard drawing is a favorite for my 2 1/2 year old. She was a little reluctant to draw her "A,a"'s at first, only feeling comfortable with the 0. With a little help from Mom, she was soon drawing her "A,a"'s.

It is a bit of a challenge trying to find activities for my 4 year old. You see, he did Sonbeams last year, and is already past learning ABC's - he's reading 1st grade level only by the Lord's blessing!

Colors and numbers are a cinch too - but he seems to enjoy the games we play. He especially loved "How many fingers?" - where they would let me know when I had "0" fingers on my hand.
He got so tickled when I'd hold up a different number.

As smart as he is, he loves to be silly - so I use that to make learning into games and fun! It's a much more relaxed approach, but it seems to work. Plus, it's PRESCHOOL - not college!

I'm excited as the official Sonbeams school year starts next week. I sure hope those of you that have signed up will drop in and comment every so often!

I know you're busy - you're home with little ones, I'm there to! Just don't keep me all by myself here...

If you're just finding us, check out a free sample of Sonbeams lesson guide at www.sonbeams.com - Member's Only page.

Blessings! Candace

Monday, August 4, 2008

And school begins!

Hi all!

I've tried and tried, but Blogger will not allow me to post pictures of our first day of school! :(

In our home, we started school a week before Sonbeams actually starts. This way I can see what I might have left out or need to re-word.

My 'students' are 4 and 2 1/2 - with an almost 1 year old playing alongside us.

This week our lessons include the letter "A,a", the number "0", the color "RED", Scripture verse - Romans 3:23, and Bible verse song - as well as "Rolled Away" and "R-E-D, red" song.

My children loved beginning their ABC, 123, and color books today. I discovered my 2 and 1/2 year old is a quick learner like her big brother - she's almost learned how to spell red from memory!

For detailed lesson guides, be sure to visit: www.sonbeams.com and click the Join Now chalkboard to sign up - lessons will be available to start school next week!

Keep in mind, these are lesson GUIDES. If you visit previous posts, you will see a small sample of these.

Here, you will receive detailed information of how to teach each part of Sonbeams. Sonbeams is primarily based on Scripture and it's relation to every aspect of school.

There are hands on activities, instructions on how to create your 'props' on a budget, and detailed instructions on how to effectively teach your preschooler!

Did I mention my 2 1/2 year old can almost remember how to spell red after just one day!!!

It's been such a blessing to hear my children walking around the house singing the Bible verse songs, learning to read, problem solving by themselves.

I'd love for you to join us - click over to join now!

Sunday, August 3, 2008

Week 1 - Scripture Verse Sampler

*Scripture
Each Monday, you and your child will learn a Scripture verse for each letter of the alphabet.

This week “A”:
“For All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23

As shown in the preparation post, you’ll write each week’s verse on the Bible verse chart. Write this verse on the chart with your child looking on each week - after you share the verse first reading from the Bible.

It's important to not just read the verse from your guide, but let your child see you open and read God's Word yourself, and to them! Begin early teaching them to read God's Word, not just take someone else's word for what it says.

Repetition is key to learning – repeat this verse over and over, and even as you write each word on the chart.

Explain as simply as you can how as they are learning the number "0", which means nothing and no one at all, that ALL means everything, everyone.

Every single person except the Lord Jesus is a sinner, this means they do things wrong.

Open up a small discussion here, asking your child to share things that they know are sins. You might have to prompt them a little, giving them an idea of what a few ‘sins’ are to children – disobedience, bad attitudes, etc…

If children are aware about these things, by speaking and thinking themselves, they will be more likely to realize themselves when they are doing something wrong and flee from it.

Of course, you also need to emphasize the last part of the verse. When we sin, we come short of God’s glory. We’re not good enough to come to God because we're sinners, and our sin saddens God.

But there’s Good News! Jesus has taken our sins if we ask His forgiveness and accept His salvation! We still need to realize we are sinners, and always ask Jesus to help us obey Him and be good.

*Scripture Activity
Cut a poster board lengthwise into a 1 or 1 ½ inch strip. Write the verse, including the reference at the end, on the strip.

Today, just review each word, pointing as you say each one, maybe 3 to 5 times. Ask your child to repeat with you.

You will use this strip each day, cutting it up more each day, and allowing your child to piece it together like a puzzle.

Friday, August 1, 2008

Week 1 - Color Sampler

*Red

More than likely, your preschooler already has an idea about most colors.

In 'school', you'll begin showing them not only to recognize each color, but to also begin to recognize how to spell it.

Make a flashcard together out of either white construction paper or cut up poster board, tracing the outline of the word ‘R-E-D’ somewhere on it in large letters (block letters).

Say each letter as you write, you’ll be amazed at how quickly your child will learn the letters of the alphabet if you spell aloud each thing you write.

Take a sheet of red construction paper, and either allow your preschooler to tear or cut up small pieces of it.

I would highly recommend tearing first, especially if your child doesn't know how to do this yet. This is a fine motor skill that they need to learn before moving on to scissors.

I personally was surprised that as much as my son was able to do with his hands from an early age, he wasn't able to tear paper! Of course, my daughter (18 months at the time), picked up on this tearing lesson quickly as began tearing everything

Use your own judgement, but teaching their hands to work together is important

For the next step, again working with your child, spread out glue inside the R-E-D letters, and have them place the torn paper inside.

This gives an excellent visual of the color red as well as how to spell it! After dry, trace your fingers over the word , spelling it out as you go

Hang on the wall or use as a flashcard each day for review.