The Giving Manger Giveaway!

Disclaimer: I received this complimentary product as a member of the Homeschool Review Crew.

Tis the season to be thankful…falalalala As the holidays draw near, I feel like it is so important for us to take a step back from all of the commercialism, all of the worldly stuff that it is so easy to get caught up in and to bless the Lord. The Bible tells us that every good and perfect gift comes from the Father of Lights – We are also told that God loves a cheerful giver. Perhaps now is a good time to revisit what it means and how we can be that cheerful giver. WorthyKids has developed a wonderful way to do just that with The Giving Manger.

So what exactly is The Giving Manger and how does it work? This is a super sweet set that comes with a hardcover book, a manger, straw and a Baby Jesus. We can help our families to shift the focus from getting to giving as we seek out those opportunities to be a blessing to others. For every kind deed that is done, we place a piece of straw into the manger. What a beautiful tradition to begin with your whole family. Maybe even some close friends!

The storybook, written by Allison Hottinger, shares with our children how much joy can be had from giving. Follow Anne and Ben whose family doesn’t have much financially but always enjoyed a special gift each year made by their father. One morning their father announced their new tradition – the gift of giving – developing the heart of a servant. Just like that of Jesus.

While in the beginning this giving manger didn’t seem like such a wonderful thing to Ben and Anne – as we walk with them we see how both begin to learn and grow. As straw filled the manger, eyes were opened to how simple it is to give – folded laundry, a hot meal to eat, a kind note to a sibling. As they begin to give, they experience a joy within that grows them all the more into the image of our loving God.

Every day beginning on the first of December, look of opportunities to do a kind deed or look more closely for your children’s kind deeds being done to others. Keep the manager in an open space, a reminder of the heart off the Lord, finding ways to bless others wherever you may be. Not sure how to give? In the back of the book explore Manger Moments. This is an amazing list full of ideas that can really help our kids (adults too) to get those giving juices flowing. 🙂

Matthew 25:40 says, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”

Having grown up in a home which service work was simply a part of what we did, I know how powerful those experiences can be. To take time, to go out of our way some days, to be a help to someone in need. Certainly this has become much more challenging in our current political climate however, this is the time that it means so much more to offer someone your time and your service. Thinking outside of the box, we can be sure to find many ways to reach out to others, showing the love of Jesus.

We have read and continue to read this book together! I love how much my youngest daughter especially enjoys this story and the lovely, simple illustrations in the book. One example is a recent connection with made with the director of From Home To Heroes, a small but love filled project to give to our service men and women. We are working with our little hygge group to become involved in this one!

But it doesn’t always have to be about the “stuff”. With so many distractions, we must be intentional about how we spend our time and our money. For the Kingdom of God is not meat and drink but righteousness and joy and peace. There are simple, powerful ways that we can share that every day. Without a doubt materials like this can be enjoyed all year round. We may even keep this out as a vivid reminder, all year long, that to give is better than to receive. ❤

Colossians 3:17 Whatever you do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,

WorthyKids is eager to bless others with a giveaway of The Giving Manger kit to one of my blessed readers! Click on the link below to enter! Open to those in the United States Only!  

Don’t forget to click on the banner below to read reviews from other members of the Review Crew who had the chance to use this wonderful set.

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I received this complimentary product through the Homeschool Review Crew.

We love to read. I think anyone who knows me knows how crazy I am about stories. There are just so many amazing stories out there and so many things we can learn along the way. For so many reasons, I was beyond excited to explore One More Story, having been blessed with a one year subscription. This is so much fun; like audiobooks, but with beautiful, eye catching illustrations (which my younger ones really love).

One More Story can be accessed on any computer or mobile device; there is also a free iOS app. Their is super easy to navigate, after one quick lesson my girls (6 and 9) were able to login on their own, locate books they wanted to read and enjoy one story after another. only one login is needed for access, whatever method you prefer to use.

There are two options for your children to choose from: Read Along offers a real read-aloud book experience for your child and I Can Read It allows older children to read the book themselves.

For our beginning readers or little ones not yet reading, as they listen to stories in Read Along mode, each word is highlighted as it’s read. What a fun way for them to start learning and recognizing letters and words.

In I Can Read It mode, there is no music or narration so they can focus on the story they are reading. No distractions! great for my older girl. If there is a word they do not know, they can tap or click it, and the program will read the word aloud. Isn’t this a fabulous way to learn, or just grow, in reading skills.

In the Parent’s place you can track stories your children are enjoying; they also provide a handy list of words learned. I found this a great way to see what my girls loved (that we might want to add to our home library) and also to encourage reading independently with physical books too.

Scanning the books myself, I was thrilled to find some of my favorites from when I was a child, like The Snowy Day and Whistle for Willie. Always have loved that author!

My girls were thrilled with books like Kiss the Cow and Ladybugs Can’t Be Tall. They have Black Beauty too – a favorite for all of us! We love horses around here.

There are just so many (I think 80+ books in all) to choose from! While my girls tend to choose the same books each time they access our account, I strive to encourage them to find one new book to try. Personally, I plan to enjoy, with them, every one of the books on this site before we are through.

One More Story on Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LifelongReaders
Twitter: https://twitter.com/EarlyReader

Make sure you click on the banner below; you can read reviews other members of the Crew wrote about how they used and enjoyed this in their home!

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Disclaimer- I received this complimentary product through the Homeschool Review Crew.

Everyone who knows me, knows how much I love a good book. Through the years, I have been carefully cultivating a small library within our home that my family can enjoy through the years. While I long ago ran out of room, I still dream and create places here and there for the books that we so love. One of those that really excited me was,  Everybody, Always for Kids by Bob Goff and Lindsey Goff Viducich from Tommy Nelson Publishing. Along with this study hardcover book, we also received a PDF Everybody Always, For Kids Five Day Lesson Plan to help take action. While this is recommended for ages 6-10, I feel this is something every age can enjoy. In this season, with its many challenges, it is good to strive to grow a heart that seeks to love everybody always. At every age and stage of life.

My girls were especially excited when this one arrived; look at this cover. It is just so FUN and so very colorful! Who doesn’t love paint and derby cars and big smiles? The colors along, so bright, catch your eye and invite you in!

I stumbled onto Bob Goff’s Everybody, Always and just loved his honest and encouraging stories that invite us in and remind us of the value of kindness and the power of loving one another authentically. I had planned to get my hands on his book, Love Does for kids and while I still plan to do so, this is definitely inviting and engaging for all of us, from my 6 year old to my 15 year old.

There are forty stories in this precious book and each one is both beautifully written and illustrated. Every page is a place for discussion and exploration. Add in lesson plans that help to make the stories more alive and tangible for each age.

We read about cake pops – did you know you can love everybody through something as simple as a cake pop? And skydiving – how is that for a lesson in fearlessness?

My son was fascinated to find as we read that scuba divers will take big, empty balloons and tie them to whatever heavy things are on the bottom of the ocean – what an amazing thing that those balloons, filed with air while underwater, can life some pretty heavy stuff all the way to the surface. The lesson in this? Jesus loves those who are hurting and those who did the hurting. He is always looking to bring us up!

There are so many powerful stories just like that in the pages of this book. Stories that remind us of the love that God has for us and for everyone else. We are encouraged to grow in His word, to go out and show love to others – planting seeds – faith, hope and love. The greatest of these is love.

My kids fight. A lot. We have really been struggling with taming our tongue, showing kindness and love. Being quick to forgive. I do believe that is through real life stories, examples for our children to hear and see, that we learn those powerful lessons. But we cannot stop there. We must be wiling to have eyes that see the needs of those around us, even those unspoken needs; we must have feet that are quick to go to those who are within our reach. Love them like Jesus. It doesn’t have to be hard, or costly – We can just love them with all we have and when we know that Jesus is all we need, it will be enough.

Tommy Nelson Publishing on Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tommynelsonbooks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rootedfamily/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/rootedfamily/_created/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8czPXeM9a-OULnyks60How

This was a blessing to many other members of the Review Crew; click on the banner below to read about their experiences and thoughts with this book and the lesson plans too! ❤

Teach Me Some Greek {Greek ‘n’ Stuff Reviews}

We all love languages! I especially love the old ones, Latin, Greek. Yet studying them can be a real chore. Its hard to find materials that really help you to enjoy learning whether as an adult or as a child. Thankfully you can learn Koiné (common) Greek without breaking a sweat, using Hey, Andrew! Teach Me Some Greek! – Level 2 set from Greek ‘n’ Stuff. We received a CD for pronunciation , the workbook for this level and the answer key to go along with the workbook.

 

 

I have to admit I was a bit worried when we received this, because we were totally new to this program. I am one of those “have to start at the beginning” people – So receiving level 2 when we never completed level 1 – I admit I struggled a bit with this. But I have always wanted to study ancient greek (my oldest son too) so we determined to just do it.

 

 

I was so pleasantly surprised by this material! As soon as it arrived I went ahead and got the materials out, popped in the CD – I was like a kid in a candy store you could say! This is the kind of things I get so very excited about 🙂

Level 2 of this program introduces the alphabet and as you progress, it also begins to teach some simple words.

We completed one lesson per week; that’s about 5-6 pages in the workbook provided. There are also flashcards in the back which should be used daily to help really reinforce each week’s lesson. There are 30 lessons in all – I almost forgot to mention, the audio CD provided included level 1 and level 2 pronunciations and reader. Nice, right? 😛

While initially my boys found the CD to be “for little kids” (never mind that my younger one is 7) they soon began to enjoy listening to this. Now and then we would use it while we were in the car running errands or going from one place to another. Being that my oldest loves to Bible study, I reminded him of the great value this could have for him, in studying the Word at an even deeper level. And what blessings could come from his diligent studies too as he learns and then shares the fruit of his labor.

 

 

This is recommended for grade 2-4 but due to the content of this level it is great for anyone of any age who wants to learn Biblical Greek and has no prior experience. I love that the goal of this program is to help students in their studies of the New Testament so that they are better prepared to discern faulty theology. It’s also a wondercul way to encourage the study of vocabulary since there are just so many words in our own language that have roots in the Greek.

 

We are having so much fun with this! Well, mostly me honestly. My oldest son doesn’t mind doing pronunciation work and he uses the flashcards plenty, but he isn’t big on the workbook. Often I will read the questions and have him tell me the answers; narration of a sort. My other ones are a bit young and not quite seeing the benefit but my younger son does have fun learning new words – since he is a very curious one – and even learning where some other words come from.  Plus he thinks speaking the Greek sounds kind of funny. Not totally sold on it but I think in time he will find a greater appreciation for this. In the meantime, this momma is really having a wonderful time learning Greek. 😛

 

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/GreeknStuff/

   https://www.facebook.com/groups/heyandrewteachmesomegreek/

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/GreeknStuff

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/kuriakos/greek-n-stuff/

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/karenmohs/

 

Loving the Moment!

Its a new year! So many things to be excited for right?  I am especially excited to be a part of this. The Virtual Curriculum Fair. Whether you are new to homeschool or have a couple years under your belt this is truly a wonderful treat.  A homeschool convention….but you can stay in your jammies. Hehe

The one thing I love most about home education is also the one thing that I struggle with the most when it comes to home education. Can I hear an amen?

I love how free we can be. Here in Wisconsin there are very little requirements so we really do have so much freedom when it comes to learning at home with our children.
The challenge comes in not allowing ourselves to become overwhelmed or controlled. by all the good stuff that’s out there!

 

Our first year or two as home educators we stuck to a very strict schedule. We got our curriculum in the mail every year (Love My Father’s World).  And while it was a wonderful program and I still use some of their materials to this day, at the same time it was stressful trying to keep up some days. Especially as I went from having one child to two and then three and then four!

 

 

As the years have gone by we have gone from box curriculum to classical schooling, Charlotte Mason style, unschooling and delight led learning. All of these are wonderful ways to encourage and inspire a love of learning in our children. And as each one of my for gets older and their needs change it is good to have so many different options out there. Again that is one of my favorite things about home education!

 

 

As we have grown and progressed Through the Years I have learned and I’m still learning how to use those materials we do invest in without thumb controlling our learning.  I have learned to slow down and worry less. It truly has been an exercise in my faith.  Most importantly I have learned to teach from a state of rest.

 

 

 

In the last few days I have pondered and prayed over what are home education ought to look like in the coming year. And if I have prayed again and again God has placed in my mind the value of rest and the value of mastery.  So this year as we slow down I’m focusing on living and loving and learning together as a family. I am focusing on stronger relationships and building greater character within my children ( and myself too)!

 

 

 

We will still do math drills and we will still do copywork each day.  We will study together and memorize from the Bible the Book of Acts.  We will read together draw and paint.  My girls and I will spend more time baking and learning to sew.  My boys will spend more time on coding. We will draw our way around the world.  We will do all kinds of crazy experiments and handicrafts.  We will write poetry and make music and go for a walk exploring God’s creation.

 

 

 

We will not be bound by a schedule or curriculum. Instead of worrying about staying on track instead we will learn together in a state of rest. We will not be afraid to take a day off to go to the museum or to explore a local park.  We will strive to have more conversation about what we are learning together.

 

 

 

 

For my oldest son I seek to become more of a mentor and less of a teacher. To inspire him instead of require of him.  In an attempt to encourage him to learn a bit more independently and to become a bit more responsible for his time we are setting goals. We are making a roadmap. In this way see how making his own video game or his own app really is possible by breaking it down into simple steps.

 

 

 

There’s so much for our kids to learn and aren’t kids naturally curious and eager to learn?  I think of the many things that I have learned simply by having the time to explore them on my own.  And I know that this is something that my children can getting a great deal from. Therefore in the year to come they shall have more time to really explore their own interests. And who knows what could happen when they are given time to find those fires within!

 

 

 

 

It has always been my goal to inspire my children to see learning as something that is life-long. And for them to see the great value and the opportunities that surround them everyday.  Because learning isn’t something that only happens for 12 years and it isn’t something that we can just fit in the hours of 9 and noon.  Learning is a blessing and a joy. It is a lifelong pursuit.. ❤

 

 

 

As you begin your New Year going home education be sure to take your time and enjoy the journey!

 

 

 

 

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Classical Academic Press’ French for Children {With an Amazing Giveaway!}

My eleven year old son has quite the love for foreign languages. Since we hosted an exchange student from France, he has been studying French informally, using various online videos and podcasts. He even started a notebook of his own with the words he knows but I know from my own experience studying languages, that at some point we need to formalize our learning. There is so much more than just memorizing words and having a proper pronunciation (as important as those things are).

 

 

 

In the last few years we have got through quite a bit of materials because of his interest in languages. We have studied Spanish, German, Chinese, Japanese and a bit of Hebrew, some Latin and Greek…I was wary to invest in more materials for him while at the same time eager to encourage this interest of his. So when I happened to see that Classical Academic Press (whose materials I really do love!) had a program,  French for ChildrenI had to learn more.  Perhaps this would be “just right” for him.

 

 

 

Their motto is “Classical Subjects Creatively Taught,” which is something that really strikes me because, that is how I want to see learning happening. There is such power in learning that is engaging, and encourages creativity.  This kind of learning is what inspires and makes kids into lovers of lifelong learning too. And I want to see that as much as possible with my children.

 

 

The complete program of French for Children Primer A includes the following:

 

 

 

 

Classical Academic Press was so very generous in giving me a copy of this curriculum for review purposes, and so I here I am, sharing our experience with you!  French for Children, Primer A is recommended for grades 4 and up. There are 17 Chapters and they offer a variety of weekly schedules to help you complete this program in half a year or an academic year (thirty weeks).  We appreciated having these to use as guides as we study.  Especially since we tend to be so relaxed in our schooling; without incentive we can sometimes park on a topic for weeks! And while I love to encourage that too, there is great value in learning how to complete things in a timely fashion!

 

 

 

French for Children has a very immersion style feel to the program! They use lots of dialogue, translation, vocabulary, dictation, grammar, and there are quizzes too. We used this quite a bit since my oldest son really needs this kind of thing to reinforce what he is learning. Plus it encouraged him to start his own little “Book of French Vocabulary” to track his learning for himself. He even began to record himself “teaching other kids French” as he learns. Now they may seem impossible, too much – but it really isn’t at all. This is all presented in such a way that it really is quite enjoyable!

 

 

 

French for Children Primer: Chant and Audio Files contains all of the pronunciations as well as dialogues, grammar chart chants, complete vocabulary, conversation journal words and phrases, Say It Aloud exercises, dicteés, and lots more! These files are great to load onto an mp3 for listening to or even as we are in the car, for some of our longer drives. (And right now we do have a few of those!)  This was an especially great resource for my son!

 

This is a very involved and very thorough course. I admit when I saw everything that this was made up of, I was a bit concerned that my son was going to be in over his head.  I admit, I was not sure this would inspire my son to continue learning. I will say, I was thrilled to find my son eagerly completing lessons and watching the videos each day. Often I would even find him repeating lessons previously completed; again the fact that he chose to complete lessons repeatedly even, its a huge compliment to this program.  In a season in which he has really been struggling with a desire to learn those beautiful and good things, seeing this light a love within him, it warms this momma’s heart.

 

 

We jumped right in when this arrived. And we learned after the fact that it really is important to watch the first DVD before beginning. This will give you a better understanding of this course while helping you to understand the structure of the lessons and explaining all of the different aspects that are a part of it this program.

 

We really are enjoying our use of this program, there are just so many wonderful things about it. The level of immersion that is used within the program; the depth and yet the simplicity and fun that is had in the learning process too….It’s refreshing to see children having so much fun learning.

 

 

Listen to the Dialogue – There is a story being told; as you listen to the audio follows along while listening to the audio. This is partly in French, partly in English and introduces new vocabulary. She gets an idea of what the new words mean from the context and tells me what she thinks is happening. The dialogue translation is in the back of the Student Text.

 

 

Chant – phrases & sets of words to learn proper pronunciation. My son will put on his headphones and listen. I love hearing him speak he has quite good pronunciation if I may say so myself.

 

 

Vocabulary – There are about ten new words to each chapter. My son writes these in his notebook of French words he knows and he likes to go over these throughout the week.
Video – The videos are about 45 minutes long; these are full of information. There are times my son will watch one video in one sitting; other times he may watch a little here and there throughout the week. These are very helpful to my son (me too!) and there are times we will watch a video again because there really is so much you can get out of these.

 

Grammar – There is grammatical instruction involved in this course; this is taught very creatively so its not overwhelming at all.

 

Worksheets & Quizzes – Within these are exercises in translation, verb forms, grammar exercises, charts to complete.These are all great for reinforcing what is being learned.

 

La dictée – The dictation exercises are all on the CD. Interestingly, in France dictations are done similar to our version of the spelling bee. Sounds like a really fun thing to me!

 

 

 

I have been trying to be diligent in practicing more the methods of Miss Charlotte Mason in our home education and I have to say this is something that fits into her ways so very well. We are reading right now too (because it was mentioned in the Introduction, The Fables of Jean de La Fontaine) and seeing as we go along how the dialogues within this program weave together into these tales. What a wonderful and creative way to help engage our children as they learn!

 

 

 

As you begin your studies in Primer A learning subjects and verbs; infinitives, verb conjugation, tense and noun gender you not only learn these things but you write them and read them and say them. You use them so that they are more than just another lesson to complete but are a cultural immersion experience. As a former exchange student and a host mom to many exchange students along the way, immersion is a wonderful (probably the best) way to learn any language. And as you learn, you create your own conversation journals and fun dialogues to practice conversation, letter writing and so much more! I haven’t fund yet a better and more enjoyable way to learn than this.

 

 

 

 

Since we have been using this we have also been encouraging regular use of additional songs and stories in French, to listen and read along. We even have a couple primers we are using to read, online, in French, that my son is really enjoying.  I remember reading not long ago that if you really want to learn a foreign language, reading and writing it and hearing it again and again, is the way to go. This program is just that.

 

 

 

Classical Academic Press has for your review a 64 page pdf from French for Children: Primer A  the student text you can download and try out if you want to learn more about this program. There is also a free audio MP3 sample and the you can watch the video below, this is the first chapter in the program  (it is about 45 mins long). If you have a student who is interested in learning French, maybe they even learned a bit already, this is a wonderful program to consider.  And there is always www.HeadventureLand.com for some fun practice!

 

 

 

 

You have a chance to win!

Classical Academic Press are giving away two French for Children: Primer A bundles for USA residents! Just use the Rafflecopter form below —

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Night, Night Farm ~ FlyBy Promotions Review

We love books. My little girls (18 months and 5 years old) love to snuggle up and read a good book with momma.
So I was so excited to have the chance to review a copy of  Night, Night Farm. 

We have had this one in our house for awhile now and it has been a huge hit from the moment it arrived. It’s a traveling companion as we are out and about.

Its a favorite read for sure; we enjoy it at bedtime, even during the daytime hours! 🙂

Between teaching on thankfulness and on farm animals, there is so much we enjoy about this book.

 

This is a super sweet and very colorful book; the story is so simple and yet so powerful.

 

 

As we read, we see each little one,from the kittens to the cows, thanking God for those little things that are a part of our every day.

How often do we forget to thank God for those little things? Apples and good dreams (my daughter prays for good dreams every night now) and for momma and daddy; warm beds and baths and the moon….

 

This is a wonderful little board book; a soft padded cover and so many bright colors and images to see! Very eye catching  ~ this is one I would grab for a closer at the bookstore…  Just to see more  The illustrations are done by Virginia Allyn and they are so amazing.

 

 

 We have solutely adore this book! If we paid at the beautiful illustrations. And every page is such a sweet words. And let’s not forget the important lesson with in this little book. Let us thank the Lord for every little thing. Especially little ones.   

“I Love You Just Because” Review

“I Love You Just Because” by Donna Keith is a book about a family of bears; all very different yet all together in one place, for God’s purpose.

“Three very different bear cubs live together in one place,

Each chosen for these parents by God of love and grace.

And when the cubs ask why they’re loved, their parents often say,

‘We love you just because you are God’s gifts for whom we prayed.’”

 

This is such a wonderful lesson for all of us when we feel we just don’t belong or perhaps we cannot understand why we are where we are. Our family is such a blessing; God knits us together. How priceless, for our kids to know, that God chose them. To be my son and daughter. God chose them to be the brother and the sister. He chose their momma and their daddy. All things are by His design and for His purpose.

 

This book is full of sweet, gentle illustrations by Alison Edgson and rhyming text, “I Love You Just Because” will help little ones understand their parents’ love for them and God’s too.  That love isn’t something to be earned but that which is given. It is simple and unconditional. A true gift. With the same friendly bear family from Donna Keith’s first two books — “I Love You All the Same” and “I Love You Even When” — the sweet story of this book will remind you that family members love each other … just because. No matter how different we may be; no matter the struggles we may face, we all love one another. Always.

 

 
This 20-page board book is for children 4 to 8 years old and was published by Thomas Nelson on June 7, 2016.

 

 

 
Learn more about this book and others on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Learn more about Donna Keith on Facebook.

Would a Worm Go on a Walk?

My younger son is 6 and he loves worms. He really does. For a time he would go outside early in the morning to shoo the birds away so they didn’t get his “worm friends”…So I was excited to have the chance to review the book Would a Worm Go on a Walk? I knew that this would be a book my kids would love. One we could enjoy together again and again.

 

 

 

 

 

This is full of silly questions for us to ponder:

 

 

• Would a worm go on a walk?
• Would a piglet play piano?
• Would a lion be a lifeguard?

 

 

In all of this silliness, we are reminded, God made every one of us. With a purpose. A special purpose for the worm and the piglet and the lion too. This is a sweet reminder that although there are many differences amongst us as people (even animals) God created every one of us. Our abilities are a gift from God that we are to be ever thankful for.

 

 

 

God made us. That is powerful. It is such a testimony to His love and care for every single one of us. These silly questions help us tithing about how we were created; perhaps why or what we were created for. HIs purpose is important – even for our children – we ought to seek His purpose for our lives always. As we read, and have fun doing so we see that the turtles cannot drive and there is no way that penguins can fly. Rhinos enjoy the rain and and pigs will always squeal and roll about in the mud. And that is OKAY!

 

 

 

 

What a beautiful lesson (and the many ways we can use this as homeschoolers) to teach and remind our children the they are His masterpiece. For God knew them before they were born; He knows the number of hairs on their head and He believes that everything He made truly, was VERY GOOD. That’s you! 😀

 

 

 

Who Needs a Brain Break?

Who doesn’t have a child (in my case three) who struggle with focus and attention now and then? Sometimes its just getting a bit restless, needing to move about, other times its something else all together. One of my three struggles a lot with attention; sitting still and focusing are such hard work for him.  My other two, well they are little sell, its only right for them to want to move about. Yet we forget that sometimes, don’t we? In our effort to “get it all done” we try to push through and we forget that sometimes, they need a break.  A Brain Break.

 

It wasn’t long ago that I stumbled across the series 10 Days of Boosting Brain Power.  I was excited to be given the opportunity too (bless her heart) to review The Ultimate Guide to Brain Breaks. As you read  The Ultimate Guide to Brain Breaksyou learn how and why movement matters so much for our kids when it comes to their learning. There are also 60 Brain Breaks for you to start using, and this book even helps you to recognize the signs of when a brain breaks is needed. I mean, I have begun to see myself, since using this, how often I simply need a brain break myself. And my kids get it! Even my 4 and 6 year old at times see and say “my brain needs a break”.  Its especially cute weeny four year old daughter comes to me holding her head because her “brain is achy”.

 

Some of this really mad my head hurt, I admit the science of it all can be pretty intense. But understanding the science, even just a bit, helps you to really understand and embrace this concept. It also encourages us to look for active engagement when it comes to learning. Trust me, the difference it makes its huge! Now much of this I didn’t completely understand myself: the vestibular system being enhanced by movement. However Heather includes diagrams, in this case of the anatomy of the ear, to help guide any who are science – impaired as I am – through her explanation. Did you know the inner ear is considered the entryway into the brain for the senses? Its a unifying system influencing everything we do. Turns out all that rough and tumble play our kids (boys especially) do really does have a purpose beyond sometimes driving us mommas a bit batty! 😛

 

So we learn as well read how movement promotes bilateral integration (making the left and right brain able to work together); this helps integrate logic with intuition. Movement all activates the cerebellum; this helps to make learning occur faster. And movement also gives the body and the brain a boost of oxygen. If we don’t have enough oxygen, our brain is simply going to go to sleep and that’s no good for learning. When we get ourselves moving, we wake up and so with these brain breaks we are able to quickly invigorate the mind and get that blood pumping to help us learn better. And faster!

 

 

A couple things that you will learn (or have reinforced even, in my case!)

 

♦ WHY movement is so critical to learning.

♦ HOW to spot when your children need a brain break.

♦ HOW to help your children discern when to utilize a brain break and regain focus.

♦ 60 amazing brain break exercises {with detailed instructions, pictures and printables/cards}

 

Check this out:

 

 

 

 

There is even one that is specifically for our littlest ones. I have not had a chance to get a copy of this one yet but I am definitely hoping to soon since this may be a great asset for them. And the ideas within the first were so good, I can’t see how this one wouldn’t be just as great.  Especially since my kids are all about singing and dancing, my daughter I think would so enjoy many of the activities in this one! If and when I get this, I will definitely share all the details with you too 🙂

 

What were some of my kids favorite brain breaks?

 

• Toe Writing (my daughter loves to see all the other things she can do with her toes now too Lol)
• Dance and Sing (we crank up the worship music and that sure gets everyone going!)
• Cartwheels and summersaults are another favorite of my daughter
• High Kicks and Jumping Jacks are great for the little ninjas in your house!
• Crazy Eights writing is one of my oldest son’s favorite ones (he is my little artist)

 

There are also lots of fun and inspiring Imagination Brain Breaks. Doing this is fun because our kids can be a Billy Goat or a Flamingo; they may gallop like a horse or inchworm their way across the room. There are even exercises for them to imagine they are a sprouting seed and a popcorn popping (my little guy loves this since he is our popcorn connoisseur). And they love balloons as much as mine do, there are even exercises for them to do which include balloons. Who doesn’t love playing volleyball with a balloon? And handsfree is even more fun!

 

These are just a few of the great exercises that are in this book! There are tons more! And so many of these you can tweak and change up a bit to make them your own. My daughter loves hula hoops so there are lots of fun ways we have used them since we began using this program (instead of using rope or bean bags in some cases). This really is fun~ and it works too!

 

 

 

 

 

Nw I know that none of us need one more thing “to-do” in our days, but when it seems to be falling apart; when it just isn’t working,  The Ultimate Guide to Brain Breaks really helps bring us back together. Its like a super glue.  Maybe not all the time, but most of the time. And that definitely is worth making time for.

 

My kids do better because they have energized their brain; they have learned too how to see for themselves the need to wake up and refocus!

That’s a powerful tool for us to have! Every one of us 🙂

 

 

Get lots of great ideas to enrich the learning within your home by getting your own copy for only $7.99 of The Ultimate Guide to Brain Breaks.