Help Your Kids to Eat Up Their History!

** This post may contain affiliate links.  Thank you for your support. You can read my full disclosure policy here.**

Do your students enjoy history, or simply tolerate the subject in general? 

Teaching with a flare or passion for history can be difficult, at times, for even the most creative of home educators.  I love when I know a homeschool product is going to help in creating that all important ingredient of inspiration, for both myself and my student.  Keeping that in mind, I would like to introduce you to an excellent resource from Bright Ideas Press.

Mystery of History, Volume II now has available to accompany it a wonderful companion cookbook!

This unique cookbook includes historical recipes to follow along with the middle ages history that my child will be studying during The Mystery of History Volume II.  What a fun and creative way to experience the history, geography, and the cultures surrounding the stories of the early church and middle ages.

We are adding this resource to our history studies with the Bug this year.  I found it an excellent opportunity to combine history class and home economics!  Any step that I can take to save myself some labor and simplify our schedule is considered a good thing.  Can I get an amen?

I hope that you will take a moment to look at Bright Ideas Press as you are working hard on your next year's homeschool planning.  You will not be disappointed in the amazing curriculum offered at Bright Ideas.

Joyfully Learning with You,

The Joyful Socks Mom 

Be sure to keep up with Joyful Socks on Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram & Facebook

PHOTOS via BIP and Compfight.com CC {Here & Here} Thanks!

Here are some more great resources to accompany Mystery of History, Volume II:

• Mystery of History, Volume II Audio CD's - Narrated by MOH author Linda Lacour Hobar
• Coloring Pages for Mystery of History, Volume II - Print a color page each of your 28 weeks of study.
• Mystery of History, Volume II CRAFT PACK - Excellent supplemental crafts to enhance your MOH experience.

A Day in Our Life at Homeschool Cooperative (with 10-, 14- and 15-year-old)

* This post may contain affiliate links.  Please see our full statement of disclosure here.  Thank you for your support.

I would say that as far as homeschooling days go, the days we spend at our local homeschool cooperative are certainly unique.  Our cooperative is a Classical Christian-based program that meets 31 weeks of the academic year, three times per week.  That's right, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.  What you are about to witness is how a "typical" Wednesday would look for our family on a day we attend homeschool cooperative.  

Believe me when I say, we are not perfect and our day rarely comes out flawless.  However; four years of attending cooperative has made us better at our accountability and consistency as homeschoolers, mommy included.  It has almost literally taken our family the entire four years to find the schedule and process that works best for us.  I hope you will find some tip, trick or resource that may help you in your homeschooling journey.

A DAY IN OUR LIFE AT HOMESCHOOL CO-OP 
(with 10-, 14- and 15-year-old)

4:30 am Mommy Rise-N-Shine
YEP!  I have to get up that early to do "me" time with God & make life simpler, and make some attempt at self-care.  It's a sacrifice, but totally worth it.  Honestly, some days I sleep later, like until 5:00 or 5:15 am, and it does not seem to go well.  Some mornings are extra special when I can share breakfast with my hubby before he leaves for work . . . 

Best mornings are sharing healthy Breakfast with my husband.

6:00 am Breakfast Preparation
Kids' breakfast is usually prepped the night before, so that all I need to do is cook it or pop it in the oven in the morning.  This makes the priority of breakfast that much easier to deliver.  

Protein + Good Carbohydrate = Breakfast.

6:30 am Kids Rise-N-Shine, Dress & Devotionals and Eat Breakfast

7:20 am Finish loading van, Cooperate Prayer & off to cooperative.

The kids have their buckets pre-loaded from the night before, as to curb time searching for things, etc.  Mommy's buckets are usually still in use in the evening, so the kids help me by loading them in the morning.

7:45 - 8:00 Arrive at Cooperative

When we arrive, the kids do all the unloading, and I usually head straight to the copy machine & make myself some "fancy" coffee.  The kids help prepare for the arrival of their peers by prepping classrooms, putting out games for morning fellowship, help mom with class, etc.  We are typically the first to arrive.

How do you like that view???

8:20 am 

Mom's 1st Class: Reading Circle

The kids gather downstairs and visit with friends, while playing games.  I begin my day with a Reading Circle time for Kindergarten through 2nd Grade students that need more mentoring in Reading.

We love All About Learning at our homeschool cooperative.  I use All About Reading in our Reading Circle.

9:00 am  Homeschool Cooperative Begins!
Mommy: 4th Grade World History/Texas History (Story of the World, Volume 3 & The Story of Texas)
The Bug: Life Science
The Scout & The Squeaker: Apologia Physical Science

10:00 am 

Mommy: Davis Learning Strategies for Kinder through 3rd Grade

The Bug: English and Reading

The Scout & The Squeaker: English and Reading

11:00 am 

Mommy: American Republic History

The Bug: Saxon Math

The Scout & The Squeaker: American Republic History

11:45 am LUNCH

12:15 - 1:00 pm

Mommy: 7th Grade World History/Texas History

The Bug: Latin

The Scout & The Squeaker: Logic & Saxon Math

1:00 - 2:00 pm

Mommy: Mentoring (I actually work the remainder of the day until 2:30 one-on-one with students who need homework help.)

The Bug: Ancient History & Journaling

The Scout & The Squeaker: Latin & Spanish

2:00 Clean-up, Load-up & Drive Home

2:30 - 3:00 Unload & Snack

3:00 - 5:00 Homework Time

• Kids get homework done before dinner, since it is also Church fellowship evening.

• Mommy does lunch prep for the next day of homeschool cooperative.

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The Scout's favorite lunch box special: Gluten-free Pizza Pasta Salad

• Mom finishes dinner preparation

• Mommy works on any homework grading from her homeschool cooperative classes.
• Mommy also checks that everyone has completed homework to turn-in the following day.

Here is The Bug prepping for her oral report on the Effect of Smoking on the Circulatory System.

6:00 - 8:00 pm Dinner is served & Dad takes kids to church.
Mommy: Grades, prepares lessons for following day, organizes and prepares for next cooperative day.

9:00 Lights Out!

It is essential for our family to get sleep and not fall into other "distractions" during the homeschool week.  This being said, we do not allow the kids to play video games, watch movies or visit others on homeschool evenings.  Our family feels these entertainment items are best left as a weekend reward.

Homeschool Co-op day is done - Wash, rinse, repeat! ;)  Actually, our Tuesday & Thursday schedule runs an hour and a half later at cooperative, and I spend more time mentoring students on those days, but that's a whole other story . . . 

Come and share your homeschool day over at Simple Homeschool!

You might also be interested in seeing my recommendations for a great cooperative day: 12 Ways to Make the Most Out of Homeschool Cooperative.

Joyfully Learning with You,

The Joyful Socks Mom 

Be sure to keep up with Joyful Socks on Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram & Facebook

Here are some more homeschool resources we recommend: 

• Notebooking Success - Best notebooking resource for home educators.  This great eBook will help you be inspired to teach notebooking at your kitchen table too.
• Heritage History - The home for excellent living books and classical history on the internet.
• Thrift Books - Used books at a great price for any homeschool curriculum.

Articles that are still joyful:

• Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Vegetable Frittata
• 10 Read-a-Loud Classics for Older Children
• 12 Ways to Make the Most Out of Homeschool Cooperative {Do's and Do Not's}

12 Ways to Make the Most Out of Homeschool Cooperative {Do's & Do Not's}

* This post may contain affiliate links.  Please see our full statement of disclosure here.  Thank you for your support.

We have been members at our local Christian Classical Homeschool Cooperative (there's a mouthful) for going on four years now.  My kids take academic and enrichment classes in a classroom setting, while mom teaches classes.  I have worn many hats at our local cooperative, so I have the years of faltering and stumbling, rejoicing and learning that enable me to share the best do's and don'ts to helping your family thrive in the Homeschool Co-op community.

• Do have a morning game plan & be certain everyone in your family has a job and understands their responsibility.  In our family, the kids are responsible for loading their buckets in the vehicle on the evening BEFORE co-op.  The more you can prepare the night before, the more room you have for the "unpredictables" in the morning.  Make morning devotional a priority for yourself, and for your kids.  I promise, the morning will go better if you wake early and take the time.
  
  

• Do keep the lunches healthy & well stocked by making lunch for the kids (and yourself silly) the night before co-op too!  Get some great real-food lunch ideas on this contributing Pinterest board & I also recommend Mom-a-bles.

• Do Not skip breakfast.  You need fuel for the morning and your kids need "brain power", so get them fed.  Protein + a good carbohydrate is best for the morning dash-off.  I, again, suggest preparing in advance for breakfast either by freezing cooking or make-a-head items.  Our favorites: Baked Oatmeal, Breakfast Burritos, Granola & Fruit, Omelet "Sandwich"  Please do not stress yourself with a five-course meal at breakfast, you'll thank me later . . . so, your welcome!

• Do be certain that your children are organized and that they have a good working knowledge of how to record assignments, turn-in "homework" and to file graded "homework".  I prepare the kids one week before co-op begins by allowing them to make their own students planner & we complete a working plan for each child, so they can clearly understand and meet the expectations of a teacher besides mom.

• Do set aside "homework time" as a consistent block that is set aside for the family (maybe even mom & dad) to get work completed with excellence.  Now the following are ONLY EXAMPLES, this may not work for your family: We do not allow television, movies or any gaming on homeschool co-op nights.  I have found this is a great way keep consistent with expectations and I am removing any distractions that may impend mine and my children's progress.  Communicate, in advance, when homework is expected to be completed, and stick to the plan.

• Do help your child achieve excellence in their work. Check your child's homework for accuracy, while maintaining your integrity as a parent.  Do not allow you student to use the Teacher's manual without your direct supervision.  When reviewing homework, ask questions about whether they believe the problem or question was answered correctly.  Remind them to check their own work and to remember to use rough drafts for editing.

• Do know your family's extra-curricular schedules & family commitments BEFORE signing up for co-op classes.  It is better for your child if they do not skip any co-op classes . . . believe me, it is a snowball effect that sets your child up for failure . . . you don't want that!  Communicate with your children and help them balance their schedules with their time constraints for homework, to ensure they are meeting homework responsibilities in a stress-free time frame.  Example: My family attends Wednesday night services.  In order to be free of homework, sometimes they must ask the teacher for their assignment a day in advance to alleviate their work load on Wednesday evenings.  
  
  
• Do be grateful for the teachers and instructors & be considerate of their time outside of co-op.  If you have trained your child well to stay organized, communicate their homework assignments and take accountability for their own work & behavior; you will find that you, and your child, have less questions and confusions with the classroom instructor.  Most teachers have families, and kids in co-op too, so keep that in mind when contacting them outside co-op hours.

• Do make Family Dinner Time a top priority!  Family Dinner Time is essential at all times, but especially when co-op has made your time constraints more demanding.  Have a meal plan for dinner during the week, and prepare as much as you can in advance.  This will keep you less stressed and make family dinner the enjoyable gathering it should be.

• Do teach your child to communicate effectively on how their day went at co-op.  Help them to label their day clearly.  We ask the kids how their day was, but tell them to give it a number from #1 (being terrible) to #10 (being terrific, super awesome, fabulous).  This helps us know how they really viewed their day, and then we ask them to explain why they gave the day that specific number.  Let's face it, children perspectives are a far cry from adult perspectives, make sure that you are speaking the same language as your children.

• Do make co-op a family team effort. When prayer-fully considering whether Homeschool cooperative is right for you and your family (yes, I said prayerful), it is best to discuss how these new time constraints and responsibilities will effect life inside the family community.  Mom cannot be the only one making efforts to make cooperative classes a great fit for your family.  Draw on one another's talents and strengths to help; Let older children help with younger children; Redistribute responsibilities and chores to help lighten the load on mom (especially if she is teaching); Let Dad have his area of teaching and mentoring . . . he will do it differently than mom, but that is a good thing too.  Repeat after me ladies, "Dad's way is not wrong, just different".  Good job . . . keep saying it!

• Do Not Compare!  Do give grace & receive grace.  Homeschool cooperative is a safe ground to prepare our children for life outside our homes.  There are also "real people" there, with real issues too!  We are to be the hands and feet of Christ, even at homeschool cooperative.  Jesus' own hands and feet were pierced for our transgressions.  As His disciples, we may have to sacrifice in order to give grace.  We may also need to swallow pride in order to receive grace from others.  Show, by example, how to give and receive grace, giving your children an opportunity to practice living out a life of faith, within a safe and loving environment.

A few more: 

• Do get the kids to bed early . . . mom too! 
• Do give rewards for good grades and consistently good efforts.
• Do pray for kids, the teachers and families at your co-op.
• Do take vitamins & supplements that will help with daily energy levels and special needs.  
• Do set your kids up for success by staying consistent. 

Remember to be positive, and help your kids to see all the good that can come from stretching themselves outside their "comfort zones".  Isn't that when God does major work on our lives, when we step out in faith outside of our own personal comfort?

"For I know the thoughts, that I have thought towards you, saith the Lord, even the thoughts of peace, and not of trouble, to give you an end, and your hope."  Jeremiah 29:11 (Geneva Bible)

I know that co-op can be tough at times, and that growing and learning is something that we continually do alongside our children.  Don't give up girl.  Fight the good fight. Finish the race.  Here is a quote I brought home from Winter Summit that has really resonated with me:

"Homeschooling is hard!  I would rather live with doing hard, than to live easy and miss doing God's will." ~ Roxanne Parks

Let's stick in this together . . . let's do hard!

Do you attend cooperative?  What are some of your strengths and struggles at homeschool cooperative?

Joyfully Learning with You,

The Joyful Socks Mom 

Be sure to keep up with Joyful Socks on Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram & Facebook

Articles that are still joyful:

• A Homeschool Mom's Weekend Away
• 5 Gifts to Give Yourself This Year {My Favorite Things}
• "Take 5" Notebooking Method

Check-out some joyfully recommended products:

  

Menu Plan Monday: Eating with Purpose

Happy Labor Day to you all!  Hoping you are enjoying some rest and relaxation with your fabulous families.

Today I am going to steer off path just a tiny bit.  I am eating with more purpose and wanted to share what that is looking like with my readers.  First let me clarify.  Eating with purpose is not dieting!  Dieting does not work and I refuse to do it any longer.

Eating with purpose means eating intentionally by choosing food to help me live. Not living to eat food!  My goal is not to be thin, but to have the Lord's help in building a temple that is useful in His service.  (P.S.  This includes exercise  which I am less than enthusiastic about, but we'll talk on that later.)

We are largely gluten free now, due to the Scout's nutritional needs, so much of our menus will reflect that.  Here is our menu for this week, followed by the lunch menu at co-op for week #4.

FAMILY MENU:

Monday -

Lunch: Beef hot dogs & chili, roasted corn & salad (NO BUNS)

Mom's Meal - 3 oz turkey burger, 1 cup greens with lemon and EVOO, 1 small apple, 1/2 small banana & 1 cup Vanilla honey Greek yogurt, water with lemon

Dinner: Turkey burgers with cheddar, salad, broccoli (NO BUNS)

Mom's Meal - 1/2 cup albacore tuna, 1 slice GF toast, herbal tea

Tuesday -

Lunch: KIDS EAT AT S.H.A.P.E.

Mom's Meal - 1 cup cheese, 1 hard boiled egg and 5 GF crackers

Dinner: Sandwich bar with GF Bread

Mom's Meal - 3 oz lean meat, 1 cup raw broccoli, 1/2 cup carrots, 1/2 banana, 1/2 cup Greek yogurt

Wednesday - 

Lunch: KIDS EAT AT S.H.A.P.E.

Mom's Meal - 1 hard boiled egg and a slice of GF toast

Dinner: Crust-less quiche, salad & baked potato soup

Mom's Meal - 1 cup tuna, 1/2 banana and 1 cup Greek yogurt

Thursday - 

Lunch: KIDS EAT AT S.H.A.P.E.

Dinner: Lettuce Wraps

Mom's Meal - Eats regular meal

Friday - 

Lunch: Ratatouille, Salad

Photo Credit

Dinner: Chicken spaghetti with rice noodles

Mom's Meal - Eats regular meal

Saturday -

Lunch: Baked Potato Bar, Salad

Dinner: Left overs

Mom's Meal - Eats regular meal

Sunday -

Lunch: Almond Butter Rolls, salad, carrot sticks

Dinner: Mexican Lasagna, salad, black beans

Mom's Meal - Eats regular meal

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

This is a weekly update post for those of my readers that attend the S.H.A.P.E. Academy homeschool cooperative.  For my regular readers, this is a local Christian classical cooperative in our area.  I cook there, as the "healthy" lunch lady, 3 days a week.  I serve the students hot, fresh meals and my kids get to eat with their friends.  (Just in case my readers are going, huh?  Now you know.)

Greetings to all you S.H.A.P.E. families staying healthy with us in the Lunch Room!  Here is a look at the lunch menu for week #4 at cooperative:

MONDAY, September 11, 2012

REGULAR LUNCH OPTION - 

Chicken Alfredo Lasagna, Zucchini, Salad, Mini Cannolli

GLUTEN FREE OPTION -

Zucchini Chicken Lasagna, Steamed Carrots, Salad, Pineapple

HEALTHY OPTION -

Chicken Salad on Tomato, Cheese Chunks, Whole Wheat Crackers, Pineapple

WEDNESDAY, September 12, 2012

Photo Credit

REGULAR LUNCH OPTION - 
2 Slices Pizza (Pepperoni, Hamburger, or Cheese)
Salad
Cinnamon Sticks
(Extra Pizza - $1.00 for 2 slices, $1.00 EACH additional slice)

GLUTEN FREE OPTION -
Crust-less Pizza (Pepperoni, Hamburger, or Cheese)
Salad
Baked Cinnamon Apples

HEALTHY OPTION -
Turkey Chef Salad, Fruit Salad

THURSDAY, September 13, 2012 *PAJAMA DAY*

REGULAR LUNCH OPTION - 
French Toast Sticks with Syrup, Hard Boiled Egg, Fruit & Yogurt

GLUTEN FREE OPTION -
French Toast Sticks with Syrup (GF Bread), Hard Boiled Egg, Fruit & Yogurt

HEALTHY OPTION -
Italiano Salad: Antipasto, Chocolate Dipped Fruit
ALL LUNCHES SERVED WITH YOUR CHOICE OF THE FOLLOWING BEVERAGES:
Bottled Water, Sweet Tea, or Milk

*LUNCHES MUST BE PREPAID TO SECURE MEAL SERVICE*
Please message me with a comment below and I will send you my mailing address so you can order before school begins.  ORDERS received ON the day of lunch purchase will be charged a late lunch fee.

Children who do not bring their lunch will be given a Sacked Lunch: PBJ Sandwich, apple and bottled water - $2.00 will be billed to the parent.

Please let me know if you have any menu questions.  I will be happy to help.

Have a super eating with purpose week!
 
The Joyful Socks Mom 

S.H.A.P.E.ing the Week Lunch Menu - Week #3

This is a weekly update post for those of my readers that attend the S.H.A.P.E. Academy homeschool cooperative.  For my regular readers, this is a local Christian classical cooperative in our area.  I cook there, as the "healthy" lunch lady, 3 days a week.  I serve the students hot, fresh meals and my kids get to eat with their friends.  (Just in case my readers are going, huh?  Now you know.)

Greetings to all you S.H.A.P.E. families staying healthy with us in the Lunch Room!  Here is a look at the lunch menu for week #3 at cooperative:

MONDAY, September 4, 2012

REGULAR LUNCH OPTION - 

Bean & Beef Burritos, Chips & Hot Sauce, Cheese, Lettuce, Fruit & Cinnamon Sticks

GLUTEN FREE OPTION -

Beef Tacos, Chips & Hot Sauce, Cheese, Lettuce, Fruit & Baked Cinnamon Apples

HEALTHY OPTION -

Taco Salad, Salsa, Cheese, Black Beans, Baked Cinnamon Apples

WEDNESDAY, September 5, 2012

REGULAR LUNCH OPTION - 
2 Slices Pizza (Pepperoni, Hamburger, or Cheese)
Salad
Cinnamon Sticks
(Extra Pizza - $1.00 for 2 slices, $1.00 EACH additional slice)

GLUTEN FREE OPTION -
Crust-less Pizza (Pepperoni, Hamburger, or Cheese)
Salad
Baked Cinnamon Apples

HEALTHY OPTION -
Crust-less Min Quiche, Garden Salad, Fruit Smoothie

THURSDAY, September 6, 2012

REGULAR LUNCH OPTION - 
Baked Potato Soup, cheddar cheese, turkey bacon bits, fruit & rice krispie treat

GLUTEN FREE OPTION -
Baked Potato Soup, cheddar cheese, turkey bacon bits, fruit & rice krispie treat 

HEALTHY OPTION -
Baked Potato Soup, Garden Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette, Greek yogurt

ALL LUNCHES SERVED WITH YOUR CHOICE OF THE FOLLOWING BEVERAGES:
Bottled Water, Sweet Tea, or Milk

*LUNCHES MUST BE PREPAID TO SECURE MEAL SERVICE*
Please message me with a comment below and I will send you my mailing address so you can order before school begins.  ORDERS received ON the day of lunch purchase will be charged a late lunch fee.

Children who do not bring their lunch will be given a Sacked Lunch: PBJ Sandwich, apple and bottled water - $2.00 will be billed to the parent.

Please let me know if you have any menu questions.  I will be happy to help.

Have a super S.H.A.P.E. week!
 
The Joyful Socks Mom 

Here are some more homeschool resources we recommend: 

• Notebooking Success - Get started Notebooking today with this wonderful eBook.  Jimmie gets an A +++ from this home educator.
• No "Falling" behind on Homeschool organizing! Get the Weekly Homeschool Planner today!
• Bright Ideas Press - The curriculum that Moms Love! Home of the Mystery of History.  Our entire family loves learning together with this curriculum!

Statement of Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. The blog owner receives a small portion of sales generated from these links, which helps to support this blog. The blog writer does not receive compensation for thoughts or opinions expressed on this blog. Thank you for your kind consideration.