Homeschooling multiple ages - our curriculum choices for the boys in 2013

I am thrilled about our curriculum for the boys this year. Although we do slow to a snails pace for the summer, we actually school year round. We have some more upcoming travel plans for the family which will offer a terrific break & return to officially kick off our new school year.

As you may know, we spend a great deal of time schooling outdoors and taking our cue from nature. We also include "sit down" time and do a good bit of our school time together as a group.

Homeschooling also offers the opportunity for me to work one on one with each of my boys in the areas where they need individual attention.



*affiliate links present in this post

In the 2013-2014 school year, we will have one boy in the 1st - 2nd grade, one boy in the 3rd grade, and another in Jr. High. Each of our boys are gifted in some areas. One has special needs and has struggled greatly with reading. 
It is my goal to provide a Christ based, well-rounded curriculum that allows for them to pursue individual interests while preparing them to compete globally later in life. I want to focus on teaching them "how to think" vs "what to think" while not missing out on the important details of what they need to know. 
Piece of cake - right? I believe that with the right curriculum, support and input from a network of other homeschool moms (like you), and by praying my way through each day - we will continue to set and achieve our goals. 

I hope that sharing some of our favorite resources will help you chart your own course for a successful homeschool year.

Our 2013- 2014 Curricula : 

Bible  -
* We are currently working our way through the Awana Homeschool Kits  -  we have the 1st grade, 2nd grade & the middle school programs. 
* We will continue:  Who Is God? (And Can I Really Know Him?) -- Biblical Worldview of God and Truth (What We Believe, Volume 1)
* We enjoy & will continue to use various books from Master Books such as these: 
N is for Noah (Biblically Based Classics) (they provide wonderful coloring pages to keep my busy little artist busy while I read through the lesson too) 

Math - I am SO happy we have found the A+ Interactive math curriculum! It is a huge relief for me to know that they are getting a comprehensive program. It does the teaching for me, yet I can be as involved as I want to be. They have online lessons - printable worksheets and tests, even hard copy of workbooks. They also have cd software. There is a $12 per month plan with no contract. Everything we need! 

Science - We are still working on our Apologia Swimming Creatures, when we finish we will move to Flying Creatures. We work on this together and the boys have various assignments to do depending on age and ability. We also use the notebooking resources. (yes, we did those backwards) 
Our outdoor nature studies will continue. 

History -  US History and Geography - We love our Paths of Settlement  - It is the backbone of our homeschool studies! We have all the books that go with it and are slowly working our way through it. We LOVE the "Eat Your Way Through the USA" and "Eat Your Way Around the World" & use "Geography through Art" as well. 

World Geography - We love following a "letter of the week" format in our homeschool studies. We look for countries to fit the bill and stick to one continent at a time. We are excited about our new Biblical Worldview - Children's Atlas of God's World-  from Master Books & will be digging into it soon. 

We do as much of our school together as possible. History, Geography, Bible & then I work one on one with the boys on their reading & math. So thankful the math program with A+ is able to do the teaching for me this year - as it will free up some time, give me confidence in a subject that I am not so strong in & foster independent learning in my boys!

We do our art & nature studies together. My oldest helps sometimes with the younger ones & does some of our read alouds. Our middle boy is now stepping into a role where he is able to help his younger brother more as well.

All in all - we are looking forward to a wonderful year of adventure as we explore God's creation!

Please let me know if you have questions or need help deciding what curriculum choice is right for your family. I am happy to share my experience with you and to mentor - especially if you are brand new to the homeschooling adventure!

Marketplace Online


The new Teach Them Diligently marketplace online is a great place to buy curriculum at a discount!
Read more about what other families are choosing for their 2013-2014 curriculum by clicking on the pic

Teach Them Diligently: Opportunities, Inspiration, Motivation - for homeschool families

Last year was the first ever Teach Them Diligently Convention. I was invited to be a part of the blogger team by some folks I have great respect for . . . so I loaded up the boys & headed for Spartanburg, SC.

It was an experience unlike any other homeschool convention we'd experienced before. The atmosphere was different. The Spirit was different. God's hand was on it - and it showed.

I've waited all year for another chance to hear from the inspiring speakers. I've waited all year to catch up with families and friends we've made.

Teach Them Diligently is a new family tradition!


At any of the TTD Conferences you will find laughter and friendship. You will find encouragement, and a soft place to land. If you are discouraged, you'll be lifted up.

You will find information to guide you as you lead your family through this homeschool journey. You will find support, prayer partners and so much more.

Your children will find entertainment and inspiration as your vision for your family is renewed. There is something for everyone. The fellowship is amazing! 

The program was so well received last year, and the response so overwhelming - that this year's TTD Convention has been expanded to include 3 locations for major conventions: Spartanburg, SC (last week) - Nashville, TN (where I will be this week) - and then again in Omaha, NE. 

And there is more! God has been moving mountains to reach out to people throughout the nation. The Nunnery family, along with the TTD team they've put together - has been listening to His call. The answer; TTD's New Marketplace at various locations across the country! 

More and more work is being done behind the scenes each day to prepare for these "mini-conferences" - which won't be so mini after all. You will receive the encouragement you need, inspiration you desire, and the curriculum resources you want.  You'll find the discounts you need to provide a terrific, Christ-centered education for your family from the publishers you've come to love and trust. 

I'm so excited to share these things with you - because I believe in them! The affiliation I've had with TTD had made a difference in our home and in our homeschool. Everyone needs support. Everyone needs encouragement. You will find it at any of these events! 

I'm off to pack up to go and find my encouragement and catch up with TTD friends. I've planned adventure and field trips all along the way, although I may have to rethink my packing style. . . 

A big thank you going out to my sponsors & 

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Teach Them Diligently - Why I'm excited & a special introduction to My Sponsors

*this post contains affiliate links

There are a lot of different reasons to be excited about the #1 Homeschool Convention in the nation. 

In case you have any doubts of questions - I've put together a few of my favorite reasons: 

• Nashville Y'all - nuff said! 
• Several cool venues to choose from: Nashville, Spartanburg, and Omaha 
• The new Marketplace with 9 different locations (mini- conferences) 
• Road trip adventure! 
• Socialize with like-minded homeschool friends (old and new) 
• Meet up with friends we've met online and are dying to meet IRL 
• Vendor hall full of incredible Christian Homeschool curriculum we can touch & investigate- try before you buy (I have YET to meet a homeschool mom who does not love books & curriculum!) 
• An awesome line up of informative, talented, encouraging speakers who will inspire and breathe new life into your/my homeschool 
• Great kids programs, food court, fun activities 
• Huge blogger meet-up 
• Did I mention the latest, greatest, best homeschool curriculum and materials (many discounted) 
• Biblically based programs, curriculum, sessions, people 
• Family focus & loads of fun
• Boost the economy - some 7,000 homeschool families are currently supporting the local economy in Spartanburg for the SC conference! 
• Pam.Tebow. 
• Opryland. Hotel. 

If you are headed to Nashville - leave a comment and let me know.
I'd love to meet you in person!

Please take a moment to visit my incredible sponsors for Teach Then Diligently:                                                            

                                    

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*See my review of EEME Electronics here to read our personal testimony on the project

*Read my review of my Lilla Rose hair clip from Paula Miller here 

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sponsorships, however, the opinions expressed are my own. I proudly stand behind 

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Field tripping our way to Teach Them Diligently - you can too!

It's that time again! We are getting geared up to hit the road for Teach Them Diligently in Nashville!
I just wrote about why TTD Convention is a frugal choice for our family (and why I think everyone should check it out). I mentioned that we plan family adventures around these conventions and things.
Road trips are a wonderful opportunity to get out and explore new areas, visit museums, and learn new things.

We join a local science museum associated with the ASTC Passport Program (Association of Science and Technology Centers) which gives us access to hundreds of museums across the country - for free!

Check out the full list of participating museums and science centers here to plan your own museum stops along the way. We will also be camping and exploring all we can from Southwest FL to Nashville.

We are heading from waaaaaaayyyyy down south. If you'll be headed this way

 (like maybe for TTD Marketplace in Ft Myers) You may want to check out the links under the map for a few exciting family field trip ideas. 

Ft. Myers - Edison House, Sanibel Island and Captiva, Ding Darling Wildlife Preserve

Boca Grande- beaches, fishing with Captain Mark Becton  

Just a few local parks with Hiking, fishing, kayaking: 

• 1 - Ainger Creek Park
• 2 - Amberjack Environmental Park
• 3 - Anger Fishing Pier
• 4 - Bay Heights Park
• 5- Boca Grande Fishing Pier Park
• 6 - Cape Haze Pioneer Trail
• 7 - Cedar Point Environmental Park
• 8 - Myakka Park
• 9 - Placida Park
• 10 - The Learning Garden
• 
  

North Florida: Once we get out of our general area and head into North Florida, our adventure begins:  

On our list: 

 Paynes Prairie Preserve to see the bison and wild horses! 

Oleno State Park - for a picnic and a beautiful walk by the river - small history museum here too with the 

old grist mill: 

We can use our Science Center membership at the Florida Museum of Natural History in Gainsville

We also love Ichetucknee Springs in that area and Stephen Foster

In the Panhandle: 

 

Lake Jackson Mounds in Tallahassee

FL Caverns is amazing (we just did that one on the way back from Real Refreshment w Apologia) 

We will most likely just keep working our way up I75 into Georgia and may do the Panhandle on return! 

Kathy Balman @ Kathy's Cluttered Mind - has a wonderful list of GA field trips here

Here is a link to the GA state Parks page

A few of our favorite stops in Georgia: 

Reed Bingham SP - is not too far off the beaten path and is a great place for a picnic and to stretch your legs (they have mini golf!) 

Ocmulgee National Monument  and more on Ocmulgee history here (Macon, GA) 

High Falls State Park  - right off the highway with trails and waterfalls 

On our list: Shoot the Hootch! 

There are quite a few places to use your ASTC Passport - in and around Atlanta - and on up into Tennessee go here for list. We are heading out early so we can meet up with Marcy @ Ben and Me for a field trip to the science center in Nashville. 

Chattanooga is a fun place to visit. We enjoy Rock City (cave tours) and  the Battle Grounds 

(the battle grounds on top of Lookout Mountain are a MUST DO for us) My grandfather was born in Chicamauga and it holds a lot of history for our family. Read the Battle history here.

 We will also visit the Parthenon in Nashville.

AND the Nature Centers! (there are 4 big ones)  

We've got our field guides, we've got our back packs and our nature journals - and we'll be headed off! 

I hope you can join us at TTD in Nashville -  there are other options available here: 

Here's a great list of some others who will be field tripping their way to TTD! 

Free #Letter of the week studies - all have bible and handwriting, most have spelling, geography, science and  history as well - Freebie link at bottom of each post - You will find recipies and fun ideas for study in the posts themselves: 

Aa is for . . . All we like sheep

Bb is for . . . Behold the Lamb 

Cc is for . . . Create in me 

Dd is for . . . Do unto others 

Ee if for . . . Even a child 

Ff is for . . . Follow me 

Frugal Family - Homeschool Convention

In an effort to save money this year,  I'm joining my friends Marcy +Ben and Me  as well as Sam +Sam's Noggin  to bring you this weekly  link up full of tips for becoming a more Frugal Family. We will be sharing ideas to help you save money on groceries and meals, homeschool, crafts, and plenty of frugal DIY posts. We've made many sacrifices so that I can stay at home to teach the boys, and I've become pretty frugal in order to help make that possible and to keep it that way. It's become a challenge I truly enjoy, and one I enjoy sharing with you!

This week:

Homeschool at a discount and a family adventure to boot!

I am one of those people who don't like to pay full price for anything. Last year, I attended the first Teach Them Diligently Convention with friends. It was an amazing experience. It was, hands down, the best homeschool convention - ever and I picked up many needed discounted items.

I had to travel quite a ways to attend, but it was worth it. The vendor hall is chock full of curriculum and inspiring homeschool loot. It occupies me for hours, I mean hours, days even! (The speakers are wonderful too - but the shopping is amazing) It's difficult to purchase larger curriculum items without putting your hands on them first. I like to get a good look at what is being offered - to make sure it's a good fit for my family - before making that kind of investment. 

With all the discounts available- The savings add up fast!

We plan family adventures around such events to make the most of our trip. We use our ASTC Science center memberships to stop for field trips along the way. We use our Choice Rewards program to save on hotel fees along the way and earn free nights.

The travel itself enriches our homeschool experience, being surrounded by like minded folks is an opportunity we look forward to each year. The whole family enjoys it.

One of the best tips I can give you for the homeschool convention experience is to have an idea ahead of time what it is you need. It will help you stick to your "list" if you have one! You are sure to find plenty of extra's that you will want. If you have your list of needs handy, you will know what is left in your budget to pick up the extras.

Last year, we bought an amazing microscope that connects to the computer- for a big discount at the convention. It has greatly enhanced our science program! 

A few suggestions from some of my favorites:

Complete - GeoMatters - Trail Guide (Paths of Settlement) (add books and math)

Bible-

Apologia - Who is God?

YWAM Publishing- Christian Heroes then and now, Heroes for young readers set, Activity guide

Master Books - A is for Adam

Science- 

Apologia -Swimming Creatures, Flying Creatures, General Science and more (anything you need)

History-

GeoMatters - Trail Guide (Paths of Settlement) -using library books or buy them all in one place - this is really a full curriculum (other than math) but we love it for history 

Supplemental books-

Big Book of History

Big Book of Earth and Sky

World of Animals

World of Science

Children's Atlas of God's World

Passport to the World

Consider planning a family trip around a Teach Them Diligently Convention  - enjoy lots of sales and discounts only offered at the convention, and discover the curriculum choices that are right for your family. 

Win one of 5 wonderful Biblical Parenting resources by entering my giveaway here

5 winners chosen - Free is the best Frugal!

Being Frugal means being smart with your money- attending a convention like TTD is a smart thing to do before you invest money in your homeschool curriculum and it's a great adventure!

See what other TTD bloggers have on their shopping lists here.

*links in this post are affiliate links and any profits go towards supporting our homeschool as well - Thank you!

Link up your own tips for saving money on our Frugal Family link up for January

Please grab the button to use or link via text - Visit others to encourage each other and

share great information! The group Pinterest board is here - I'm pinning away!

<center> <a href="http://www.Adventurezinchildrearing.com/"><img border="0" </span><span style="font-size: 12px; font-family: Verdana; color: rgb(0, 0, 153); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">src="http://i1122.photobucket.com/albums/l525/adventurezinchildrearing/frugalfamily150_zps92102054.jpg"/></a></center>  

Teach Them Diligently Convention - Big Fat Discount and announcement!

Have you heard about the exciting line up of speakers who will be speaking for TTD this year? 

Rachel Carman and Davis Carman! 

Last week was exciting as Teach Them Diligently rolled out their speaker line up for 2013. It's an impressive list of names including Apologia's, Davis and Rachel Carman, Hal and Melanie Young, Clay and Sally Clarkson, Ken Ham, Heidi St. John, Sonya Shafer, Voddie Baucham, Denise Eide, Crystal Paine, Jenny Martin, Isreal Wayne - Did I mention - Deb Bell? You can read about these and more speakers here where you'll find individual links to each site. 

“I came to convention last year burned out

 with lots of questions about whether I was 

doing the right thing for my family. 

GOD SHOWED UP!

 Our family left BLESSED and REFRESHED. 

It is MORE THAN A CONVENTION... 

it is a ministry!”Spartanburg,Sc

If you've been to plenty of conventions - you know - it's a great way to research what is best for your family curriculum, and to gain insight and inspiration for teaching your family. I can tell you from personal experience, there is something different - something special - about Teach Them Diligently. The atmosphere is different, the attitudes are different. Even the vendors are different - because the focus - is on Christ! 

Have you met Pam Tebow? 

Listening to her speak about raising her family - homeschooling them from abroad - sharing stories and struggles about life and family - and  letting God lead as they reared Tim Tebow is a moving experience! 

She'll be in Omaha and in Nashville - fyi - you'll find me in Nashville this year too. (CAnnot WAit!) 

Everybody loves a discount: 

For 2 days only - you can save an additional $20 off of the Early Bird price. You heard me! 

Use code:  BESTOFFER  Get your tickets here  *affiliate link -thanking you in advance! 

Register your family for just $25 Today and Tomorrow here  

Discipling children to glorify God:

I haven't even mentioned the fabulous children and teen programs. . . .

If you can only attend one homeschool conference this year - this is the one you want to choose.

 I know it will bless your family in many ways, as it has ours. It's not just a conference - it is a ministry!

Learn more about the ministry of WorldWide Tentmakers here.  Get to know the Nunnery family here 

and read about what inspired them to begin this journey. 

 Come and let the speakers, staff, vendors and volunteers of TTD minister to and inspire your family: 

*affiliate links present - if you purchase your tickets using them -

 part of the proceeds go to support our family homeschool

Happy 4th of July - Fellowship and Fun with #HSTTD Bloggers - Wish you were here

We are enjoying our time with Rebecca @MomsMustardSeed and her sweet family
How are you celebrating the holiday? 

God Bless America! 

2 Chronicles 7: 14 

¹⁴ if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

Have you heard the news? 

The locations for the 3 locations of the 2013 TTD Convention have been announced: 

If you are attending - let me know where you'll be! If not . . . why? :) 

linking with Wordless Wednesday - 5 Min 4 Mom Mama to 4 blessings - Judy H Wordless Wed