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Friday, November 23, 2007


Thanksgiving

We hope that everyone had a terrific Thanksgiving.

Sunday, November 18, 2007

Field Trips: Riley's Farm - Oak Glen, CA

I feel that we are so fortunate to live in California. There are so many possible field trips to go to and they appeal to such a variety of interests and ages.

One place you may want to check out is Riley's Farm located in Oak Glen.

Here is a bit of information on what could be a great family or group trip:

Now you can explore with us the domestic, agricultural, and cultural heritage of Colonial America with
“hands on” demonstrations of

17th & 18th Century Children’s Games
Cheese Making
Butter Making
Feather Quill & Ink Calligraphy
Cider Pressing
Weaving
Bread Baking
Etiquette
Colonial “Fire Bucket Brigade!”
Candle Making
Caramel Apple Dipping
Calico Fabric Stamping

(Each tour will include at least 8 of the above activities at our discretion)

All staff will be wearing authentic 17th or 18th century attire.


General Information
This tour is two hours in length.

We consider this program appropriate for young and old, and we vary our presentation according to age group.

This tour includes one free hot dipped caramel apple for each participant. Call 909-797-7534 or visit

To book your passage!
(Summer Guests MUST reserve ahead)

$9.00 Per Person (Groups of 30 or More)
$10.50 Per Person for individuals and groups of less than 30 People. This is not a "walk-on" tour; please call 909-790-TIME to make a reservation or use the reservation link.

(One free adult for every 15 students, 30 person minimum)
Smaller groups and families may book on days when other groups are present, so please call for a reservation.)

Schools and Groups of 30 or more
($9.00 Per Person, Includes Caramel Apple)

Book your reservation by signing the
RILEY'S FARM ADVENTURE TOUR GUEST BOOK

Individual and Family Reservations
($10.50 Per Person, Includes Caramel Apple)
(**You Must Confirm Date & Time FIRST
at 909-790-TIME)

Friday, November 16, 2007

A Widget for you!

Saturday, November 10, 2007

Freebie: Acton: Animal Acres

They have a free tour on Sundays. Learning about animals is a great and fun homeschooling activity. Also this tour would fit nicely in a unit - Read non-fiction and fiction books about animals, watch a video about an animal, the child can draw their favorite animal or even write a story about an animal. You can create a vocabulary list having to do with animal, talk about various careers involving animals. Look for the opportunities to learn each day and soon you will find out you don't have to look. Learning will be living.

This was taken from their homepage:

Animal Acres is a farmed animal sanctuary and compassionate living center located just 45 minutes from Los Angeles.

Animal Acres works to promote compassionate living through its farmed animal rescue and refuge efforts, public education and outreach, and advocacy projects to prevent cruelty to farmed animals. Since we opened our doors in 2005, thousands of people have visited the sanctuary and learned that farmed animals need protection, and love, too.

Animal Acres is "Home Sweet Home" to rescued cows, pigs, chickens, turkeys, sheep, goats, and other "country critters. We invite YOU to become a member of our sanctuary family too! Members contributing $25 or more annually receive our quarterly newsletter and FREE ADMISSION TO SUNDAY TOURS so you can visit your farmed animal friends as much as you’d like. An Animal Acres membership is the best way to keep our doors open to needy animals, and educate your friends and family about compassionate living choices.

You can be a part of Animal Acres by:

Pitching in for our daily farm chores. Volunteers are needed every day of the week to help us clean barns.
Feeding and caring for a rescued farmed animal through our Adopt-a-Farmed Animal Project. Your sponsorship saves lives.
Bringing your friends and family to Animal Acres — public tours are held every Sunday. Our beautiful sanctuary is also available for weddings, birthday parties, and other special events.
Having a barn stall in your name by becoming a member of our Gandhi Society, the Animal Acres distinct donor club.
Teaching children to be kind to all animals by bringing your school or youth group to Animal Acres for a fun and educational learning experience.
Placing our banner on your web site to let others know about L.A.’s new farmed animal sanctuary and compassionate living center (click here for details).

Friday, November 9, 2007

Spelling & Vocabulary

Here is the sister site to AAAmath that I posted the other day (was it yesterday). It is called AAASpell, I have not used it myself but here is a snippet from their first page

From first look it looks like it could be a helpful resource

Trying something New

Thursday, November 8, 2007

Mathematics on the Web

My mind recently recalled another website we used when first starting out. AAAMath covered various levels and was pretty easy to use. In checking their website today I see they also have a spelling section but I have not checked that out.

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

Never Underestimate the Power of the Library

Homeschooling does not have to be expensive. Let the library be your friend. Many libraries even have textbooks. You can even maximize your time with some systems by placing a hold on the items (some systems allow you to do this for FREE)and then have your library day be one of the days that you go for pickup.

There are even videotape lessons that you can use. I know in earlier years we checked out The Basic Math series (from Los Angeles Public). They had over 30 tapes.

Anyway, I just wanted to share this often overlooked option with you.

Happy Homeschooling!

Monday, November 5, 2007

Another 2008 Convention

The Link also has information for their 2008 Convention up. It will take place April 25-27, 2008 at The Renaissance Hotel in Agoura Hills, CA. More information is found at their website.

I truly hope you will be able to make it out to at least one of the many well-organized conventions/conferences.

Vocabulary and Hunger Help

This is a website where you can work on/perfect your vocabulary while helping a good cause. The premise is every correct answer contributes 10 grains of rice - you can see how th more the truly the merrier.

http://www.freerice.com/index.php

I first heard about this on a e-group (whose name I can't think of currently) I'm a part of and then today saw an email come across it from another one so I thought I would share it here.

I'm going to do some today. Let me know what you get. The website says that the rice is donated through the United Nations and they have a FAQ page for those who want to know more

Upcoming Conventions

You can never plan too early and believe me if you are a bit lost or feeling a little overwhelmed conventions are a great place to start. There seems to be a session that fits every type of family and method you can think of.

Here are some upcoming Conventions we've come across.

California Homeschool Network
CHN Family Expo Expo 2008 will be August 1-3, 2008 at the Ontario Marriott Hotel

HomeSchool Association of California
2008 HSC Home=Education Conference August 14-17th, 2008 at the Radisson Hotel in Sacramento, California

CHEA: Christian Home Educators Association of California
April 11-12, 2008 Santa Clara Convention Center Santa Clara, California
Featuring Chris Klicka, Keynote Speaker

I will keep posting as I come across California Homeschooling meetings/conventions/events. Do try to attend some.

An Art Site

Here is a great site that we've used a bit since we had a child who definitely loved art. It is also great for those who are just children at art and is very comprehensive. It is called HomeschoolArts and they have information on different mediums. Click the link and check it out.

Saturday, November 3, 2007

What I've noticed

One thing I've noticed is that often we say we want something and then when others present it we fail to support them. I'm guilty of it too.

An example: I remember always looking for teenage events. But I noticed that when I see that some are coming up I fail to go. So I encourage you and I talk to myself. If you want to see events you have to do your best to support the ones that are out there.
Now was far as teenage events there are a lot of them out there and I will do my best to not only attend but also to let any who read this blog know about them so they can support them.

In the meantime there is one e-group that I know of off the top of my head:
Socalteenhomeschoolers. So if you're homeschooling a teen or you are a teen homeschooler - check them out, and get involved.

Friday, November 2, 2007

Stay Connected

One of the most important things I would say to anyone homeschooling or thinking about homeschooling is to stay connected. Fortunately in California we have wonderful State Organizations that provide tremendous resources. Don't just look at them - check them out.

Here are two that I can not recommend highly enough

California Homeschool Network

and

HomeSchool Association of California
















 



















We're Homeschooling in California

Actually we've been doing it for a while. For the most part people are supportive but it still amazes me when some go out of their way to show that they aren't. Do I expect everyone to agree with us or our choices? NO! But... I do question individuals who make a point of letting you know they disagree - repeatedly.

Just thinking out loud.