Ruthie in MS Posted May 6, 2014 Share Posted May 6, 2014 I've seen thread after thread of what everyone is doing for whatever grade plus all their extra-curricular activities but what I want to know is..... what kind of fun stuff does everyone plan to buy as fun, little extras? Documentary DVDs, math games, language arts games, online subscriptions....... whatever! What has sneaked into your homeschool budget for the upcoming year? Also, when do you plan on using these fun things? Supplements? Rainy day fun? Burn out preventing fun? I think the EXTRAS can be the most fun part of homeschooling and that is usually where the memories are made. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AimeeM Posted May 6, 2014 Share Posted May 6, 2014 We have memberships to the zoo, children's museum, and science center this year :) We use them... whenever it sounds like a good idea, lol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
In2why Posted May 6, 2014 Share Posted May 6, 2014 A yearly pass to ColonialWilliamsburg, a.Roku for movies and documentaries, and a weekly Co-op more for fun than academics although sometimes it is both. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Momof3littles Posted May 6, 2014 Share Posted May 6, 2014 We have used things like science documentaries, Liberty's Kids, etc. when Dh travels for work and I need some downtime during the day to catch up on chores or relax for a few mins in peace. We might wrap up school an hr or two early and then they watch something, which isn't typically part of a normal school day for us. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kerileanne99 Posted May 6, 2014 Share Posted May 6, 2014 Math games, math games, and more math games with some logic games thrown in for variety:) Science kits and building sets. Absolute favorite is Zome Tool that we can get extra kits for. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KarenNC Posted May 6, 2014 Share Posted May 6, 2014 Digital Theatre Plus through Homeschool Buyer's Co-op---used it as part of an intro to theater course and just had fun watching several of the other plays. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MyLittleBears Posted May 6, 2014 Share Posted May 6, 2014 Can it be a big extra? And Ipad, finally! Mod design 1 for older ds Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MinivanMom Posted May 6, 2014 Share Posted May 6, 2014 live caterpillars Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AdventuresinHomeschooling Posted May 6, 2014 Share Posted May 6, 2014 Lots of Usborne books, lots of library books, Life of Fred as a fun supplement, take a break from Saxon semester, zoo passes, lots of field trips to the aquarium, tide pools, farm, etc., McGuffey readers for narration stories/writing, Mudpies to Magnets, science fun, pinterest supplements for science experiments and history projects, lots of Colonial American history books, crafts and projects. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prairiewindmomma Posted May 6, 2014 Share Posted May 6, 2014 I may have just spent a lot money on microscopic life science supplies. :) Beyond that, we spend on field trips, iPad apps, and games. This year we got kindles for the kids and an iPad to share. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nwmama Posted May 6, 2014 Share Posted May 6, 2014 have: zoo passes Venus flytrap RightStart math games Signing Time videos for ASL want: aquarium passes Life of Fred for summer math music lessons Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mmasc Posted May 6, 2014 Share Posted May 6, 2014 I have three boys and they love rocks. I found a cool rock assortment on rainbow resource that I think I will buy just so we can look at them and know them by name. Then we can try to find them on our hikes, walks, etc! I also want to get annual passes to the science museum. It's an hour and a half from us, so I haven't decided yet. I also really want something from Lego Education, but it would be a pricey 'extra'. Like others, I also will buy a few new apps for the ipad. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Indian summer Posted May 6, 2014 Share Posted May 6, 2014 I bought some Djeco art kits for next school year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amy M Posted May 6, 2014 Share Posted May 6, 2014 Cookies for poetry tea! ;) Lauri toys for the toddlers. I just bought Hungry Fish math app for the iPad. Really, I'm just following the thread here. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nwmama Posted May 6, 2014 Share Posted May 6, 2014 Cookies for poetry tea! ;) Lauri toys for the toddlers. I just bought Hungry Fish math app for the iPad. Really, I'm just following the thread here. :) I know! Trying to see if there's anything fun that I "need"! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ethel Mertz Posted May 6, 2014 Share Posted May 6, 2014 iPad apps math games roku music lessons local natural history museum membership Professor G (from Homeschool Buyers Co-op - "G" stands for Garfield) supplemental books Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wabi Sabi Posted May 7, 2014 Share Posted May 7, 2014 1-2 different zoo/museum memberships at any given time music lessons dance classyear-round nature program state park pass Little Passports subscriptionsubscription to National Geographic Little Kids magazinesubscription to reflexmath.com Amazon Prime and Netflix for streaming video Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MotherOfBoys Posted May 7, 2014 Share Posted May 7, 2014 We did zoobooks magazines this year, huge hit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AMJ Posted May 7, 2014 Share Posted May 7, 2014 The Great Courses lectures (yes, this is mostly fun for me, but I've caught the kids actually enjoying some of the lectures) Activity books from the book store (I figure even if they are geared towards younger ages than mine and easy they can be a fun break from time to time, especially when brains feel dead or anyone is burned out) Adding my infant nephew to our homeschool (unexpected need for daytime child care; watching him learn, and watching the kids learn about how babies learn is a lot of fun) impromptu lessons along the way on road trips and errand runs talking to candidates or those stumping for them when I went to vote in a local election Ninjabread men (cookie cutters found on Think Geek website) setting up a sprinkler underneath the trampoline (so it shoots up through the jumping surface) -- PE! taking "snow" days when sleet or grapple hit our area (which usually gets snow about once every 9 years), driving through snow (and stopping to play in it) on our way to South Dakota Getting a "new" cousin in SD to play with, Kubotas for driving lessons and driving Grandma Betty, sheep to feed (visited family who have a sheep ranch) Grandma Betty's potato masher (she gave it to me -- she had been using it for more than 70 years to make suppers for the people she loves) -- this brought with it stories of Grandma's past, lessons on how to make do on very little money, how work-out little things can be the most precious items a person owns Basically we look for anything fun and silly to loosen things up whenever we can. If the kids find something they like the looks of they point it out or ask about it, and if the budget allows we usually get it. Other than that we find that treasures appear along the way when we aren't looking -- we just need to spot them. Sometimes they come along when we most need something to cheer us up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jess4879 Posted May 7, 2014 Share Posted May 7, 2014 This summer I grabbed a 10-minute science book and will let the kids work through that. I also got a cookbook with kid-friendly recipes that they can try making solo. For next fall I bought a Health book that is full of experiments. Normally we just do read alouds to cover body systems and such, so I think the experiments will be a fun add in. We also use Reflex Math and card games which the kids enjoy. Our big investment recently has been lego. The kids have just started to get in to it and are enjoying building. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mamaraby Posted May 7, 2014 Share Posted May 7, 2014 Smencils, fancy coloring books, and board/card games. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ruthie in MS Posted May 7, 2014 Author Share Posted May 7, 2014 It looks like both my dd's just want a git-r-done education, I may have to add in some sneaky extras. :rolleyes: ArtPac (art workbook. Yes, this is an extra in our house) Cooking with Science Super Science Concoctions Mad Libs You've Been Sentenced-- board game Rory's Story Cubes Real World Math Game Roll and Multiply game Nouns, Verbs and More Card game On the Banks of Plum Creek-- audio book Mr. Popper's Penguins-- audio book Stuart Little-- audio book Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
asmall Posted May 7, 2014 Share Posted May 7, 2014 We just bought both our kids iPads. AL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dory Posted May 7, 2014 Share Posted May 7, 2014 science center membership local museum membership 2 new logic games the older Dragon Box silly putty and kinetic sand science kits a computer programming course for the oldest who was begging for it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mandylubug Posted May 7, 2014 Share Posted May 7, 2014 Six flags season passes. Tons of educational discussions are had each trip, LOL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AMJ Posted May 7, 2014 Share Posted May 7, 2014 This summer I grabbed a 10-minute science book and will let the kids work through that. I also got a cookbook with kid-friendly recipes that they can try making solo. For next fall I bought a Health book that is full of experiments. Normally we just do read alouds to cover body systems and such, so I think the experiments will be a fun add in. We also use Reflex Math and card games which the kids enjoy. Our big investment recently has been lego. The kids have just started to get in to it and are enjoying building. What is the health book with the experiments, please? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kalmia Posted May 8, 2014 Share Posted May 8, 2014 Luna, polyphemus, and promethea moth cocoons. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jess4879 Posted May 8, 2014 Share Posted May 8, 2014 What is the health book with the experiments, please? here's the link: http://www.amazon.com/Healthy-Me-Develop-Health-Safety/dp/1556523599/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1399557355&sr=8-1&keywords=healthy+me It describes it as a science book, but it's all the topics we cover for health. I am very much looking forward to the activity where they study germs on their hands. I'm hoping actually seeing the nasty stuff that hides there will encourage my kids to be more thorough with washing. It's for younger kids, but I'm hoping to make it exciting enough for my 10 year old to enjoy as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AMJ Posted May 8, 2014 Share Posted May 8, 2014 here's the link: http://www.amazon.com/Healthy-Me-Develop-Health-Safety/dp/1556523599/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1399557355&sr=8-1&keywords=healthy+me It describes it as a science book, but it's all the topics we cover for health. I am very much looking forward to the activity where they study germs on their hands. I'm hoping actually seeing the nasty stuff that hides there will encourage my kids to be more thorough with washing. It's for younger kids, but I'm hoping to make it exciting enough for my 10 year old to enjoy as well. Ah, thank you. Do you know of any health experiment books good for those going into puberty? (Older kids who roll their eyes when presented with "little kid" stuff) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nwmama Posted May 8, 2014 Share Posted May 8, 2014 We just bought both our kids iPads. AL I want one just for the Reading Rainbow app! :drool5: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jess4879 Posted May 8, 2014 Share Posted May 8, 2014 Ah, thank you. Do you know of any health experiment books good for those going into puberty? (Older kids who roll their eyes when presented with "little kid" stuff) No, sorry. :( You could try some of the body system kits from Little Labs, maybe? They have you make model hearts, lungs, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
learning2gether Posted May 26, 2014 Share Posted May 26, 2014 science museum membership K'nex Bridges kit water park membership Dragon Box app bi-weekly art classes at local pottery place gym membership Djeco Colored Sand art kit Games - Zeus on the Loose, Albert's Insomnia, 7 Ate 9, Totally Tut, Animal Upon Animal, Sumoku, 10 Days in Africa Netflix & Prime Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jackie Posted May 27, 2014 Share Posted May 27, 2014 I'm pretty sure most of what we have is considered "extras"! Lego Early Simple Machines Set Caterpillar-to-butterfly kit Memberships to zoo and children's science center Gymnastics, swim, and violin lessons The Story of the Orchestra and lots of new CDs of classical music Roku and Netflix Young-child-friendly microscope GeoPuzzles set Many board games My favorite - new desks and shelving! Considering: Dreambox subscription José-Luis Orozco CDs Thames and Kosmos sets Zometool Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommy to monkeys Posted May 27, 2014 Share Posted May 27, 2014 I think some of the aspects of the Brave Writer lifestyle are pretty fun: Tuesday Poetry Teas, Movie Wednesdays complete with popcorn. . . I also really want our Fridays to be dedicated to just the fun stuff this year. In the mix: -free write -nature study or experiment (determined by weather) -art!! -History projects- I'd like to do at least one per quarter (abookintime.com has loads of ideas) -Educational Games or maybe even NON-educational games ((GASP!!)) I know field trips would be loads of fun, but I accept that they will be few and far between right now simply because of the ages of my kids. SOO, Mama needs make home a fun place! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cottonwood Posted May 27, 2014 Share Posted May 27, 2014 I'm combining both middle schooler's science. I let them pick the type of science and they chose Chemistry so we are going all out and taking lots of time w/ the periodic table. I bought them a board game and cards w/ all the elements and also have a ton of short youtube videos saved to watch on it. Then we'll go on with the rest of the year doing whatever suits them in their chemistry work. But as a break from all that, I got the big-daddy Snap Circuits kit (750) and other fun things that will make learning electricity fun. I also bought chalk pastels and saved two or three links where they can take free lessons of all types. I bought colored wax and have the videos saved for that to take off. When school supplies hit the stores I plan to really stock up on art supplies, more than ever this year and we will explore art in fun ways with different mediums. The best thing I did, though, this year, is changed history and science from a 5 day a week thing to a 2 day a week thing. The schedule is full but feels so much more relaxed now and the kids should have more time to explore some fun stuff w/ the extra tim.e Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daijobu Posted May 29, 2014 Share Posted May 29, 2014 Fostering kittens, lol. It's a hoot! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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