My 9 yo DD makes bacon, eggs, and toast for the family -- I bet your son would enjoy it.

Ahh, so sorry.

Bring your own bag of lesson plans -- I've seen WAY too many teachers leave insufficient lesson plans. You can bring things that are multi-level, educational, and not necessarily what they do throughout the usual day. Like: several decks of cards (they can play addition games like 99, Go Fish, even concentration), a story book that can easily be turned into a drama (bring a few props) . . . If you will be there several days you can even bring them a little treat (oranges . . .) If you maintain authority but are still fun then everyone will like. Act like you know what you're doing and they'll never guess that you don't :-)

We're Messianic -- so we definitely don't fit any of the categories. We use a mix of curriculum and modify the "Christian" stuff.

Now, this is what a church is for!!! Praise the Lord!!!!!!!

Glee

The thought of it makes me want to vomit, break my heart, and go weak in the knees. And I was a PS teacher for 11 years! Although, I do have to agree with never-say-never.

While I agree that cursive is faster -- I also think another reason to teach it is that it gives our children the option and when they're older they can choose which one they prefer. If it's never taught they never get the choice.

Why not just read them a passage from the Bible and then have them respond in a notebook. This is how I do my personal time -- you'd probably have to help them get started. Even younger ones could draw pictures. This would help them learn how to study when they're older. It would also give them a chance each day to spend time with God and contemplating what He has to say to them. You're already doing AWANA, so that should help with memorization.

Thanks everyone -- I'll enjoy going through your suggestions.

Ooh, I'm SO interested in this -- we're planning an 11 day trip the end of Sept. Last year I made muffins, banana bread, cookies, and trail mix to take with us. We had lots of instant oatmeal for breakfast (mixed with peanut butter.) Definitely looking for more ideas.

We didn't buy a Bible curriculum this year (can't find one that I like) so I'm working it out on my own. I'm trying to come up with a list of scripture verses/passages for us to work through for the upcoming year. I'd like to keep it focused on the attributes of G-d as opposed to behavior modification. Anyone have favorites?

Just cook something greasy -- tator tots, chicken nuggets . . . This would be a good reason to justify eating that stuff. Probably once would be enough. I absolutely love my bar pan -- it's replaced my cookie sheets. I use it for everything! Good for you to get them so cheap!

Ooh, I'm going do that when my kids are grown -- what a neat idea.

My brain turns off sometimes, too. Seems like it happens mostly when I go into another room to get something.

We're "manners sensitive" around here -- we work on it all the time. I can understand why it is offensive for people to make rude comments but not "staring." People that are different are interesting -- when my children see someone that is different -- it interests them. They don't judge, they just wonder why. I see it as an opportunity to show my children how each of us is different (and possibly may need extra help -- hold open the door for someone on crutches, listen carefully without interrupting someone that stutters . . .) but always emphasize how that doesn't negate their worth. Besides, someday they might need to use crutches . . . and their only experience is watching other that have used them. My niece also wears an insulin pump and my sister is extra sensitive about people looking at her pump or watching her check her sugar levels. I've witnessed many people come up to her and ask questions and they always end up saying something along the lines of knowing someone with diabetes . . . Like I said, I don't understand why it's rude to "stare."

This is my favorite reason, Aubrey :001_smile:

We don't do Santa, Easter Bunny, or Tooth Fairy. But we do honor each tooth (the girls get a bracelet with a charm/stone for each tooth -- haven't figured out a way to do the boy one, yet.)

I throw them away. To me, teeth are like hair -- it's good if it's attached and gross if it isn't. We give each of our girls a bracelet with a charm to represent each lost tooth -- so it doesn't seem so terrible to throw their tooth away. Still trying to figure out what to do with the boy.

I started out trying to make the Maxwell's chore packs. I've figured out that it's not going to work for me and am now making it in list form. I need some icons for each chore. Does anyone have a good (free) website?

It's more of a to-do list for me. I also try to write a few (measurable) objectives so that I can gage how well learning is taking place.

I didn't learn how to ride a bike until 5th grade. I was too afraid (not lazy.) I think the "balance bikes" that people are talking about would have been perfect for me. My kids are a lot like me (timid and afraid of being physically hurt) and I'm keeping the pressure off. It will happen.

Ahh, what wonderful advice. Thank you!!!!

Ooh, good idea :)

Yes, I think I can almost look at the calendar to know when is going to be a hard few days. My kids are "safe" as I've noticed that I never yell at adults. Poor things. I feel like I've worked so hard to overcome this and then . . .