Myself and 2 others organized and orchestrated VBS this year for my church and 250+ children. It was a huge commitment on my part but totally worth it. The children had a great time and the volunteers felt like they really made a difference! We did track first time families vs returning families and/or members and we had 45 brand new families. That was awesome! Even without the new families, though, I still think it is a great way to treat our own congregation and their children to a little fun while learning about God :001_smile: We only spend what we bring in so our budget is based on enrollment at $25 per child. We also raise money each year for some charitable contribution...this year it was nickels for nets.

Thanks for posting this! I never would have known about this amazing sale!! Totally stocked up for the year now :001_smile:

Thank You! I will send the certified letter regarding my previously enrolled child and no more. Thanks for the links Ellen :001_smile:

I live in Illinois and a formal registration or letter of intent to homeschool is not required but...should I do it anyway? There are links and forms I can use to accomplish this for my state so it makes me wonder. Any thoughts and advice would be greatly appreciated! Just a little back ground info...my son attended the local ps for K & 1st. My daughter has never attended ps. I did not register either of them for ps this year.

DS: 2nd grade LOE (reading comp & spelling) FLL1 & WWE1 Singapore Math 2A (SE) DD: K/1 OPGTR ZB Handwriting (K&1) Singapore Early Bird Math Both children: Daily Devotional SOTW1 Ancient Times & MOH Apologia Science...Zoology 1 Atelier L2 Piano Lessons Various athletic opportunities :) This is our first year!

Matthew 18 says you should go to your brother first, and talk out the problem. I think you are spot on to address the Pastor directly and state your case and your decision, as you have done clearly above. If he will not receive it, you are free to go, but I think this is the right way to approach it. :iagree:

This will be our first year homeschooling and I am hoping to be ready to begin on August 1st. We will take the first three days to check out all of our new curriculum and to discuss our schedule and expectations for this wonderful new journey! Obviously, I really have no idea :001_smile: so I will be checking in here often for advice.

I can't say hors d'oeuvres unless I think about it for a minute and then whisper it in my hubby's ear so as to make sure I don't embarrass myself :001_smile:

:iagree:

Awesome! Thank you :)

My kids are 7 & 5 so we haven't done much besides collect food for the local food pantry. Next year will be our first year of homeschooling, though, and we are planning on helping at our local animal shelters on a weekly basis. I also love the idea of making cards for nearby nursing home residents. Great thread, love the wonderful ideas!

Hmm...strange question because 1. I do not understand the reference at all 2. obviously not 3. USA 4. Born in 78 5. ???? I guess I will have to go through this thread to figure it out :)

We got hermit crabs for the kids this past Christmas and then researched them, duh! First, they are nocturnal and make quite a bit of noise (squeaking believe it or not!) and during the day they are buried in the bedding. Second, they need to live in groups of 3-4+ to be truly happy. Third, they can pinch you and that hurts so the kids don't want to pick them up. Lastly, and most important, hermit crabs don't like to be played with.... Ugh! I take care of feeding, cleaning and watering them and their habitat daily because I have to BUT I don't recommend them to anyone looking for a family friendly pet.

I was just able to watch one of the very long video's and I must say I am impressed and I will definitely be picking up the book soon! Headed to the website now in an attempt to locate chapter samples, etc...so I can decided if I will be using FLL in addition to this program. As far as my daughter goes, she has learned *some* of the simple sounds but not all. Do you recommend starting her with OPGTR instead?

Hmm...well, I am hoping to have one program for reading. My daughter will need to start from the beginning but I will still need something that I can use with my son, too. Right now my son is reading at an average first grade level but he did have go into a reading recovery program to get there. I had planned on going with OPGTR but LOE sounded like it might have a little more explanation & content for all ages and stages. I had also planned on using FLL & WWE for my son but I am unsure how that would fit in with LOE. This will be my first year homeschooling and the curriculum choices have been a bit overwhelming! Going to watch those video's now :001_smile: Thanks for the help!

Thanks. I was thinking about picking that up first just to test the waters.

Hi all. I noticed a few different threads mentioning LOE and I became interested in the program :001_smile: I also noticed many people comment that they were waiting to see the program and materials at the convention. So...if you went to the/a convention and browsed through LOE what did you think? I was thinking I might use this for my 6yo kindy daughter and my 7yo second grade son...Thanks for your help!

Glad to hear that I am not the only one! I get holes :) and I have granite...BUT my counter is made up of granite tiles so it has rough edges. I can't imagine a solid slab of granite would cause the same damage. So annoying and I really need to get a few great aprons to wear so that I can stop ruining my shirts!

Thought I would share the deal I just found. Atelier Art is on sale right now through home school buyers co-op... Right now the discount is at 20% off. I can't comment on the program because this coming year will be my first experience with it and homeschooling :) https://www.homeschoolbuyersco-op.org/atelier/?source=106338

We went 2 years ago in June (so before the movie was released) and we did get to see Winter perform. They had multiple shows and Winter's was the last. It was about a 10 minute show and the trainers explained her story in great detail. Call them, I am sure they will be honest with you as to the possibility of seeing her while you are in Clearwater. Just so you know, the Clearwater Aquarium is a pretty low budget operation and does not have many bells and whistles so make sure to bring your suits so you can hang out on the beautiful beaches! Have a great vacation!

Thanks! I was feeling like I HAD to find a group to be a part of and I was dreading the thought of another activity being added to our calendar. Good to know that attending a weekly group isn't the norm...I think I will have my hands full just getting into the swing of homeschooling. Thanks again for your thoughts!

Hi all, I plan to start homeschooling my children beginning in August. My son is currently attending 1st grade in ps. My daughter is just finishing up preschool at our church. I am curious about homeschooling playgroups and if they are a necessary or particularly helpful part of your homeschooling experience and why. Thanks for your help!