4/19/12

This is How We Row: Passport Tutorial

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Welcome Rowers and those who want to be "rowing"!  This post is an informational post about rowing and will include a look at how to make your own Five-in-a-Row Passport - so, read on . . .
A quick word on passports.  You can always purchase your passport for use with the  Five-in-a-Row curriculum from Rainbow Resource.  We found that making our own was more fun, but we are homeschoolers that way!


We are sure when rowing to take a look at our maps closely, in order to learn about where we are "rowing" and where we have "rowed" before.  Here is a FREE download for the "Land of Make Believe" map, which is definitely off-the-charts.

{This is a picture of our Rowing Map at Cooperative}


I like to visit the library a couple of times a week . . . duh, I know it's obvious!  Anyhow, I am constantly on a look out for books that make a good match with our upcoming rowing "theme".  I usually have plenty to choose from at our local library and from my own overindulgent collection of children's books.  I put these books aside in a Rowing Book Basket that students can peruse later when work is completed or during centers.
{They Were Strong and Good Book Basket @ Cooperative}


Here is an example of the selections I make for the Five-in-a-Row Book Basket.  Let's say the book we were rowing was They Were Strong and Good by: Robert Lawson.  You could choose books to accompany this book using several different themes: Bees/Beekeeping, Slavery, Civil War, Soldiers, Evangelism, etc.
{Closer look at the Five in a Row Book Basket}
 Now, on the the Five-in-a-Row Passport. . . .
Written Paper Bag Book Tutorial - - - - >
Materials Needed:  Basic Brown Lunch Sacks (garden variety brown is fine, but you can upgrade to colors if you want to feel fancy), glue, scissors, sewing machine with thread.


1.  Sort the bags in alternating order according, the amount of bags to use is determined by how large a passport you want.  Each sack will ultimately provide you with 4 pages, excluding the front cover, inside cover, and back cover.
2.  Place each bag flat and position flush for sewing.  Now, bend the bags inward, folding in half like a book.
3.  Sew a straight zig-zag seem down the center of the bag, along the crease that you just created.
4.  Clip the edges of thread from both ends of the passport.
5.  Go HERE to print the Front Cover and inside cover pages of your Passport.
6.  Now you can use this excellent resource from Tamara and Homeschoolshare.com to illustrate all the places you are going to row!  Download  Volume 1 Here, Volume 2 Here, Volume 3 Here, Volume 4 Here.  Cut out each illustration page and glue to the pages of your passport.


Here is an AWESOME easy-to-use tutorial HERE on how to make a paper bag book!  Mucho better than mine. . . I found this on Pinterest of course!


Now you are ready to row around the world and beyond.


Happy Rowing!

The Joyful Socks Mom   

P.S.  We have a HUGE little announcement coming up NEXT WEEK!  Be sure to subscribe to this blog via email so you won't miss the BIG small news! : )



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4/18/12

Natural Play Day: The Lemonade Tray

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Natural play is more than just reaching for unfinished wooden blocks or a play-silk, in my humble and NOT-so-professional opinion.  For our family, it is a method of teaching. It is a way of life.  It is taking responsibility for your own child with intentional parenting, as you equip them with all they need to know.  Taking hold of all that God has provided our family with and being content.

The application of this method, of course, will vary in each home, but essentially our method is the same.  Natural play means using the daily routine and rhythm of each God-given day in your home, to help instruct our children.

We proudly present "THE TRAY".  This is a simple way of presenting daily work and personal care instruction to your child at home.  We began with this tray . . . Okay, I know lemonade is not considered "essential" in most homes, but this is TEXAS and it gets hot.  It is essential in TEXAS!


MATERIALS NEEDED:
Tray (obviously)
Lemons
Raw Sugar
Spoon
Knife (age appropriate - if your child is small, cut the lemons with them or have the lemons already cut)
Cutting Board
Measuring Cup (1/2 cup)
Small Juicer
Pitcher

INSTRUCTIONS 
Give verbal and visual instruction according to your child's developmental abilities.
Example: The Bug is 8 years old and has some experience in the kitchen.  She can work with a knife, but not independently.  I also only give her two or three step instructions and wait with her to complete them before giving her the next set of instructions.

1.  Clean your work surface.  Give child appropriate house cleaning materials.  The Bug is cleaning with vinegar and water solution.
Loving her choice of wardrobe on this particular day.

2.  Wash your hands.

3.  Listen to instruction from parent and then repeat instructions.

4.  Prepare Lemonade.  Cut lemons in half, if not already provided.
She loves when she is trusted with big responsibilities.  Look at that grin.

5.  Squeeze Lemons

6.  Pour Lemon juice into pitcher.

7.  Pour in desired sugar.  (Desired amount may differ from child to child . . .parental digression is advised. *wink*)

8.  Stir lemonade.

9.  Clean work space and put away ingredients.

10.  Enjoy lemonade sharing!

We are including at least 3 trays per week for the Bug.  Her older sister, The Squeaker, is 13 and enjoys preparing these activities with Mommy, so that helps a ton.  We are using these lessons to help our children connect with God and bring Him glory through work and learning to love the work they are called to by God.  Does she look joyful?  I think so.

What tray would you like to see next?  Leave some comments for upcoming posts.  Thanks!


The Joyful Socks Mom  


Where We Are At:
Homeschool on the Cheap!
Friday's Nature Table


P.S.  We have a HUGE little announcement coming up NEXT WEEK!  Be sure to subscribe to this blog via email so you won't miss the BIG small news! : )



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4/16/12

Ultimate Blog Party 2012: Welcome & More About Me

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Ultimate Blog Party 2012
This is my first year to join the Ultimate Blog Party, so thanks for stopping by!  Welcome to The Mac Rak: Random Acts Of Kindness Blog, we are glad you are here.  Please take a moment to bookmark this page so you can come back later . . . we are fun people to know, Scout's honor!


What is The Mac RAK?  Our blog is dedicated to inspiring R.A.K. (Random Acts of Kindness) in families, local communities and beyond.  We love to encourage families to spend quality time together using hands-on parenting techniques like exploring nature, handicrafts, literature, science, volunteering, home educating and all around fun activities.  We review family-friendly products and services and promote local and online events for the families we serve.


Heather Mac, the Joyful Socks Mom, is a fun-loving mother to 5 amazing children between the ages of 24 and 8 . . . whew!  Heather is a joyfully inspired writer and blogger, and when she's not doing that she is performing skits, speaking to home educators, teaching at the Classical Homeschool Cooperative, volunteering, reading, watching football, organic gardening, and (if it is a really good day) crocheting.  Sleeping is something Heather would love to experience, but she may have to wait until the kids are all grown.  Joyful Socks and her dear husband have lived in the North Texas area for over 20 years.




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Here are some of Joyful Sock's top posts for your enjoyment -
Natural Play:
Handicrafts:
Love-UR-Literature:
Homeschool and Family Fun:
Mommy Inspired:
What is Ultimate Blog Party?  The Ultimate Blog Party is an online blog party running from April 13-20, 2012. Check out other Mom websites participating in the blog party by visiting the 5 Minutes 4 Mom site.