We have been studying the early Americans and Mesoamerica for American history the last week or so. It got me thinking about the delicious Indian tacos we had in Mesa Verde National Park during summer vacation, so this evening we made Indian tacos for the first time ever.
Making the topping is simple enough you don't really need a recipe. This is what we used: ground beef, Rotel Tomatoes, black beans, corn, chopped onions, taco seasoning, and a dash of chili powder.
We found a great fry bread recipe on AllRecipes.com. It was easiest enough also. Mix 2 cups of flour, 1 cup of milk, 1 tablespoon of baking soda, and a 1 teaspoon of salt together. Knead for five minutes. Let set for 5 minutes. Then fry.
If I had known how easy this recipe was I would have made Indian tacos sooner.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Using the SOS Client with Two Servers
One of the things I like about Switched on Schoolhouse is that the good folks at AOP were wise enough to create a client based system. This is great for allowing the kids to work on one computer while Mom grades work on another. Ideally Mom’s computer is set up as the server, and each child’s computer is set up as a client.
If you are like me, the problem with this is your kids are not always at home, and not always together when doing their schoolwork. This means that each child must have Switched on Schoolhouse independently installed on their own laptop computer. AOP apparently did not foresee this issue, because they did not create any option for switching between two different servers.
This is the work around that allows me to connect to both of my children’s computers. It is not difficult for those that are technically savvy. If you have manged to a client and a server together already, you can probably handle switching back and forth between two connections.
I only have 2010 installed, so I only know for sure this will work with 2010. However, it is very likely that it will also work with earlier versions.
1. Create a folder in your AOP folder for each child.
2. From the “Switched-On Schoolhouse 2010 Home” folder, make a copy of each of these files in each child’s folder: SOSHApp.exe.config and SOSHStudentApp.exe.config.
Make a new folder, and copy two new files for every computer you are trying to connect to, as well as a backup copy of the two files, in case you mess up.
3. Go to the first child's folder and open the SOSHApp.exe.config with Notepad.
4. Towards the bottom of the file you will find the line that looks like the line below. (With your server computer name in place of “COMPUTERNAME”.) If you have trouble finding the line just search for your server computer name.
5. Replace the computer name of the original server computer with the computer name of the computer you want to connect to, and save the file.
6. Now open SOSHStudentApp.exe.config with Notepad.
7. Towards the bottom you will find the line that looks like the line below. Again, if you can’t find it search for your server computer name.
8. Again, replace the computer name, and save the file.
9. To change the computer you are connecting to, copy and paste the two edited files into the original Switched on Schoolhouse folder. To change back to the original file, just copy and paste the backup files into the folder.
This works great for me. Just be sure to save your backups for each child into a separate folder, so that you don't accidentally override some one's work.
If you are like me, the problem with this is your kids are not always at home, and not always together when doing their schoolwork. This means that each child must have Switched on Schoolhouse independently installed on their own laptop computer. AOP apparently did not foresee this issue, because they did not create any option for switching between two different servers.
This is the work around that allows me to connect to both of my children’s computers. It is not difficult for those that are technically savvy. If you have manged to a client and a server together already, you can probably handle switching back and forth between two connections.
I only have 2010 installed, so I only know for sure this will work with 2010. However, it is very likely that it will also work with earlier versions.
1. Create a folder in your AOP folder for each child.
2. From the “Switched-On Schoolhouse 2010 Home” folder, make a copy of each of these files in each child’s folder: SOSHApp.exe.config and SOSHStudentApp.exe.config.
Make a new folder, and copy two new files for every computer you are trying to connect to, as well as a backup copy of the two files, in case you mess up.
3. Go to the first child's folder and open the SOSHApp.exe.config with Notepad.
4. Towards the bottom of the file you will find the line that looks like the line below. (With your server computer name in place of “COMPUTERNAME”.) If you have trouble finding the line just search for your server computer name.
5. Replace the computer name of the original server computer with the computer name of the computer you want to connect to, and save the file.
6. Now open SOSHStudentApp.exe.config with Notepad.
7. Towards the bottom you will find the line that looks like the line below. Again, if you can’t find it search for your server computer name.
8. Again, replace the computer name, and save the file.
9. To change the computer you are connecting to, copy and paste the two edited files into the original Switched on Schoolhouse folder. To change back to the original file, just copy and paste the backup files into the folder.
This works great for me. Just be sure to save your backups for each child into a separate folder, so that you don't accidentally override some one's work.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Monday, August 22, 2011
LiveBinders.com
New find! LiveBinders.com is a great place to keep track of online learning resources. It allows you to create a virtual binder, with tabs/pages. Each of the tabs can be linked to an web page. This is just an outstanding tool if you like to pull together lesson plans and units from multiple sources. Of course it is also a wonderful tool just to keep track of online resources. You can even use Google search to populate the tabs for you, and then add or delete tabs as you wish.
Below are the binders that I've started so far.
Typing Tutors
Chemistry Resources
Below are the binders that I've started so far.
Typing Tutors
Chemistry Resources
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Cleaning Out the Closets
That time of year again! Time for the end of summer garage sale. Every year, on the Saturday after Labor Day, the neighbors on our street have simultanious garage sales. It is great, because it doesn't require a lot of advertising.
I don't think we participated last year, and I know I didn't really get rid of a lot of clothing, because I wasn't quite sure I was ready to get rid of my larger size clothing. I had been dieting for nearly a year, and was trying to level out my weight. Everyone always talks about how fast you gain back the weight that you lose. I went slow and steady in my diet to avoid that, but I was still afraid of throwing out my larger sizes.
One year later, I have 23 pairs of jeans in my new size, plus all of my old clothing in storage. I haven't even looked at the kids closets; although, they were working on them all evening on their own.
So here are a few rules that I've gathered for cleaning out the closet. I wonder how many I can stick with.
First, get rid of the obvious, get rid of anything you just really don't like anymore, or you know no longer fits. Set it aside for garage sale.
Second, get rid of everything with stains or holes. If it has either, get rid of it. Trash these, don't set aside for garage sale. This one is particulary hard for me, because I'm always wanting to save the fabric for something else: quilts, doll clothes, craft projects etc.
Third, try everything on. Unless you've worn it recently, try it on. This is the part the kids hate. I think they get rid of stuff that does fit, just becasue they are sick of trying things on. If it doesn't fit get rid of it. If you don't like the way it looks on, get rid of it.
That covers the basics, and my closet is slightly cleaner, but I still dont' have enough space. I'll need to dig a little deeper.
I've read that you need to limit yourself to four pairs of jeans and four pairs of black pants. I'm not sure how I could ever get it down that far, and I'm not sure I want to. If I only have four pairs of jeans, what am I suppose to wear on a one week vacation? I don't want to laundry while I'm on vacation. I'm still trying to talk myself into a reasonable number, but for now I've decided on fourteen. That is if I can pick my fourteen favorite pairs.
I've also read that if an item doesn't go with atleast three different items, get rid of it. I'll have to work myself up to that one I think.
Lastly I've heard about a process where you go straight the closet day by day. Each day you go the next item in line, and either wear it or toss it. I'm not as decisive as that, so I'm going to compromise. I'm going to allow each item three passes. I'll mark each pass with a rubber band on the hanger. Once I get three rubber bands I'll toss. I'll also need to make sure each item is arranged by season and purpose. After all I'm not going to go grocery shopping on Saturday in a suit, or wear my cargo pants to work. Oh wait, I do both of those all the time, but you get the idea.
Wish me luck.
I don't think we participated last year, and I know I didn't really get rid of a lot of clothing, because I wasn't quite sure I was ready to get rid of my larger size clothing. I had been dieting for nearly a year, and was trying to level out my weight. Everyone always talks about how fast you gain back the weight that you lose. I went slow and steady in my diet to avoid that, but I was still afraid of throwing out my larger sizes.
One year later, I have 23 pairs of jeans in my new size, plus all of my old clothing in storage. I haven't even looked at the kids closets; although, they were working on them all evening on their own.
So here are a few rules that I've gathered for cleaning out the closet. I wonder how many I can stick with.
First, get rid of the obvious, get rid of anything you just really don't like anymore, or you know no longer fits. Set it aside for garage sale.
Second, get rid of everything with stains or holes. If it has either, get rid of it. Trash these, don't set aside for garage sale. This one is particulary hard for me, because I'm always wanting to save the fabric for something else: quilts, doll clothes, craft projects etc.
Third, try everything on. Unless you've worn it recently, try it on. This is the part the kids hate. I think they get rid of stuff that does fit, just becasue they are sick of trying things on. If it doesn't fit get rid of it. If you don't like the way it looks on, get rid of it.
That covers the basics, and my closet is slightly cleaner, but I still dont' have enough space. I'll need to dig a little deeper.
I've read that you need to limit yourself to four pairs of jeans and four pairs of black pants. I'm not sure how I could ever get it down that far, and I'm not sure I want to. If I only have four pairs of jeans, what am I suppose to wear on a one week vacation? I don't want to laundry while I'm on vacation. I'm still trying to talk myself into a reasonable number, but for now I've decided on fourteen. That is if I can pick my fourteen favorite pairs.
I've also read that if an item doesn't go with atleast three different items, get rid of it. I'll have to work myself up to that one I think.
Lastly I've heard about a process where you go straight the closet day by day. Each day you go the next item in line, and either wear it or toss it. I'm not as decisive as that, so I'm going to compromise. I'm going to allow each item three passes. I'll mark each pass with a rubber band on the hanger. Once I get three rubber bands I'll toss. I'll also need to make sure each item is arranged by season and purpose. After all I'm not going to go grocery shopping on Saturday in a suit, or wear my cargo pants to work. Oh wait, I do both of those all the time, but you get the idea.
Wish me luck.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
120 Great History Projects
I found an absolutely wonderful source for hands on history projects today at the library, 120 Great History Projects
from Lorenz Books. This is definitely one of those I will have to go out and buy. It is jammed packed with art projects, costumes and recipes. I've just begun to dig into this book, but it looks like there is a hands on project to coincide with every just about era in history and prehistory.Some of the recipes included in the book: "Stone Age Food", "Egyptian Pastries", "Aztec Tortillas", "Cowboy Cookout", and "Medieval Flan".
A sampling of the other projects include: Archimedes' Screw, a Viking coin and die, an Arctic sled, Japanese Samaria helmet, and a Celtic harp, just to name a very few.
Each project begins with a brief history lesson, a paragraph or two. Most include color illustrations to go along with the lesson. The lesson is followed by full color photos and step by step instructions for the project.
This is just an awesome book for homeschool project ideas!
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
History Channel Video Clips
History.com has a nice collection of video clips covering topics like: Ancient Civilizations, U.S. Presidents, American Revolution, , World War II, the states, etc. These are clips are about three minutes each, some of them appear to be pieces of a tv episode, but others appear to be made just for the website.
A list of main topics can be found here.
I liked the Fall of Rome video that was found under Ancient Civilizations. It is a song about the fall of Rome.
A list of main topics can be found here.
I liked the Fall of Rome video that was found under Ancient Civilizations. It is a song about the fall of Rome.
How the States Got Their Shapes Guide
Found a link to the "How the States Got Their Shapes" Teachers Guide. I love this show, and I think it is available on NetFlix.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Library Thing
This morning I stumbled on another wonderful way to keep track of the books in our home library today. Library Thing works a lot like Shelfari, but I think I will have to take the site for a test drive to determine which site is easier to use.
I would not have found this one if I had not been reading "21 Signs You are a Homeschool Book Junkie" at Heart of Wisdom. I think I can safely say, I am a homeschool book junkie, although I think I may have been born a bibliophile.
I would not have found this one if I had not been reading "21 Signs You are a Homeschool Book Junkie" at Heart of Wisdom. I think I can safely say, I am a homeschool book junkie, although I think I may have been born a bibliophile.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Shelfari
I was at Goodwill yesterday looking for some deals on children's books when I met a lady who just graduated her youngest homeschooler. I was telling her how I loved the great prices on the books there, but that I could never remember what books I already owned. I either end up buying the same book twice, or not buying a book, because I think we already have it.
She recommended Shelfari to me as a way to track the books I already owned. I'm so glad I bumped into her, because this site is my find of the week. Not only is it a place to store information about the books I own, it is a place to keep track of what has already been read, or that I plan to read. It is also a good place to look up book reviews.
I haven't fully explored the site yet, as I just took my first look at it this morning, but I wanted to be sure to post a note about it before I forgot it. I don't want to forget the name of a site like this.
She recommended Shelfari to me as a way to track the books I already owned. I'm so glad I bumped into her, because this site is my find of the week. Not only is it a place to store information about the books I own, it is a place to keep track of what has already been read, or that I plan to read. It is also a good place to look up book reviews.
I haven't fully explored the site yet, as I just took my first look at it this morning, but I wanted to be sure to post a note about it before I forgot it. I don't want to forget the name of a site like this.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Summer Reading List 2011
Coral's Summer Reading List:
Ariel and the Aquamarine Jewel a Disney Magical Story
Aurora and the Diamond Crown a Disney Magical Story
Tales of the Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume
I Hatch Chicks (ICarly Reader) by Scholastic
Lila Bloom by Alexander Stadler
101 Places You Gotta See Before You’re 12! by Joanne O'Sullivan
The True Story of Pocahontas by Lucille Rech Penner
The Fairy Berry Bake Off by Daisy Alberto
The Tiara Club at Ruby Mansions 2: Princess Jessica and the Best Friend Bracelet by Vivian French
A Brilliant Streak the Making of Mark Twain by Kathryn Lasky and Barry Moser
Library Mouse by Daniel Kirk
Painting the Wind by Patricia & Emily Maclachlan and Katy Schneider
Alice in the Country of Hearts, Volume 5 by QuinRose and Hoshino Soumei
A Violin Maker's Gift
Planet Earth by Deborah Chancellor
Penny Star by Brent Sudduth
Even More Parts by Tedd Arnold
Fruits Basket, Volume 16 by Natsuki Takaya
Ariel and the Aquamarine Jewel a Disney Magical Story
Aurora and the Diamond Crown a Disney Magical Story
Tales of the Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume
I Hatch Chicks (ICarly Reader) by Scholastic
Lila Bloom by Alexander Stadler
101 Places You Gotta See Before You’re 12! by Joanne O'Sullivan
The True Story of Pocahontas by Lucille Rech Penner
The Fairy Berry Bake Off by Daisy Alberto
The Tiara Club at Ruby Mansions 2: Princess Jessica and the Best Friend Bracelet by Vivian French
A Brilliant Streak the Making of Mark Twain by Kathryn Lasky and Barry Moser
Library Mouse by Daniel Kirk
Painting the Wind by Patricia & Emily Maclachlan and Katy Schneider
Alice in the Country of Hearts, Volume 5 by QuinRose and Hoshino Soumei
A Violin Maker's Gift
Planet Earth by Deborah Chancellor
Penny Star by Brent Sudduth
Even More Parts by Tedd Arnold
Fruits Basket, Volume 16 by Natsuki Takaya
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Jamestown Online Adventure
I found a great history game tonight, the Jamestown Online Adventure on HistoryGlobe.com. Using the London company's instructions, the player attempts to see if they can do better than the real colonist. They will receive a report on how they did based on the following factors: food, health, wealth and moral.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Microscope Fun
Yesterday during lunch I took a trip to Goodwill to look at the books, and left the store with a new microscope set for $6.50. What a great buy. This same set retails on Amazon for $79.99. The one we purchased had a box that looked like it had been through the ringer and then stuffed in a closet for a few years, but all of the pieces pictured above were still taped neatly in their styrofoam compartments. The one I bought also came with safety goggles, and methylene blue and eosin. The original price tag had been scratched off, so this was probably a discarded birthday or Christmas present. Their loss.
I brought it home last night, and Coral played with it until about 11 pm, until I finally made her go bed. It was also the first thing she played with when she woke up in the morning. After running errands today, she went right back to it when we got home. I think I've already got my $6.50 out of it for sure.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Foreign Language Lessons on YouTube
I've been exploring the foreign language videos available on YouTube. It looks like there is enough Latin, French, and Japanese there to keep both of my girls busy for the up coming school year.
This is a list of my favorite YouTube users for each of the three languages. For Japanese I like JapanesePod101. For Latin TuTubusLatinus is very good. For French I like DJArmonLhane. These are just a few that offer a wide range of videos for each of the language. I've created three individual play lists for each of the languages. They can be found here.
Kristen will be using the videos to supplement her Japanese courses at TCC, and Coral will be using the videos in addition to text books CD, and Mango Languages available through the Tulsa Library website for free.
This is a list of my favorite YouTube users for each of the three languages. For Japanese I like JapanesePod101. For Latin TuTubusLatinus is very good. For French I like DJArmonLhane. These are just a few that offer a wide range of videos for each of the language. I've created three individual play lists for each of the languages. They can be found here.
Kristen will be using the videos to supplement her Japanese courses at TCC, and Coral will be using the videos in addition to text books CD, and Mango Languages available through the Tulsa Library website for free.
Monday, May 23, 2011
One More Day Plus Seven
Kristen just has one more day left in her private school. Then she will become an official homeschooler, going into eleventh grade. She is in a good spot for starting home school. Her school friends are also her church friends, and with her starting to drive this summer, this should be a smooth transition for her. Really the only part of her "social life" she will be giving up is lunch time, and the few minutes between classes. Her social circle will remain intact.
Coral is a little more nervous. She has seven more days left of public school. She is afraid that she may be severing ties with her school friends. It is a little heart breaking for both of us. However, I know it is the better decision for her. Already, in forth grade, she is starting to feel the peer pressure building, rumor mills churning, and bullies intimdating. My head tells me it is time to pull her out, before the forth grade drama turns into fifth grade drama, and fifth grade drama turns into middle school drama. However, this is a big step for her. I hope we can maintain her little circle of friends next year, but I'm very grateful that she will still have her church friends as well.
Coral is a little more nervous. She has seven more days left of public school. She is afraid that she may be severing ties with her school friends. It is a little heart breaking for both of us. However, I know it is the better decision for her. Already, in forth grade, she is starting to feel the peer pressure building, rumor mills churning, and bullies intimdating. My head tells me it is time to pull her out, before the forth grade drama turns into fifth grade drama, and fifth grade drama turns into middle school drama. However, this is a big step for her. I hope we can maintain her little circle of friends next year, but I'm very grateful that she will still have her church friends as well.
Free Puzzle and Quiz Creation
I was looking for quizzes or tests to go along with the Real Science-4-Kids series, when I stumbled on a great website for creating crossword puzzles, flash cards and more. ProProfs is just $9.97 for business, $3.97 for teachers, and free for personal use. It may be worth investing the $4 educational price if used often.
http://www.proprofs.com/
Crossword puzzle to use for a study aid for chapter 1 of Real Science-4-Kids, Chemistry, Level 1. The puzzle was created by DustBunnies.
http://www.proprofs.com/games/crossword/elementary-chemistry/
http://www.proprofs.com/
Crossword puzzle to use for a study aid for chapter 1 of Real Science-4-Kids, Chemistry, Level 1. The puzzle was created by DustBunnies.
http://www.proprofs.com/games/crossword/elementary-chemistry/
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Chemistry Confusion
I've been trying to decide what to do about Kristen's Chemistry course next year. Chemistry and Trig are the only subjects I'm really stressing about. I know a lot of homeschoolers just don't bother with these courses, but I don't just want to get her into college; I want her to be able to go on a full scholarship.
I'm thinking that Apologia is the way we want to go for Chemistry. I've heard great things about the caliber of the material. I've also taken a look at the Dive DVDs that are available to go along with the material. If this option doesn't work, we may look at a co-op as well.
One thing is for sure, instead of purchasing a MFW book for use with Exploring Creation Through Chemistry , I'm going to try the lesson plans found at DonnaYoung.org first.
I'm also so very tempted to go with Switched on Schoolhouse, because it would be much easier for me, but I'll hold off on that for a while. Maybe we could do a hybrid approach of the two. :)
I'm thinking that Apologia is the way we want to go for Chemistry. I've heard great things about the caliber of the material. I've also taken a look at the Dive DVDs that are available to go along with the material. If this option doesn't work, we may look at a co-op as well.
One thing is for sure, instead of purchasing a MFW book for use with Exploring Creation Through Chemistry , I'm going to try the lesson plans found at DonnaYoung.org first.
I'm also so very tempted to go with Switched on Schoolhouse, because it would be much easier for me, but I'll hold off on that for a while. Maybe we could do a hybrid approach of the two. :)
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Homeschool Prep
We will be switching to homeschool next school year, and this is a very confusing time for us, well mostly for me. There are so many options out there for homeschooling curriculum, and I'm having a very hard time making up my mind what is the right curriculum for my two daughters. The one thing I know for sure is that the style I want to go with is eclectic, but isn't that really a way of saying, "I couldn't decide, so I'll just mix it up"?
My oldest will be in eleventh grade next school year. She has been in a private school, and has met more than half of the college entry requirements. She will still need to take two years of language arts, one year of science, and two years of US history, plus either two foreign languages or two technical courses. She is also planning on going to school for a degree that requires a lot of advanced math, so she will be taking a math course each year until graduation. In my opinion she should go ahead and take her college math, but she doesn't think she is ready for that.
My biggest challenges are the math courses she will be taking, and the chemistry she needs to take. I want to find something that will be robust enough that she learns what she needs to, but easy enough to follow that we can get through it with as few tears as possible. I did take college level chemistry, and college algebra, but it was a long time ago. I can't remember most of it.
For the rest of the subjects there are SO many good choices out there that I can't decide on one.
My fifth grader is a little easier. There are no advanced courses that I find intemidating, but still there are just SO many choices out there, how do I decide?
All that said, I think the easiest place to start this blog of our homeschool experience is to start with a list of books we would like to read either this year, or at some point. At least then I will not feel I'm just spinning my wheels.
These will be in no particular order. I'll worry about order later. :)
1. Simple Chemistry Experiments With Everyday Materials
by Louis V. Loeschnig ISBN 9780806906898
My oldest will be in eleventh grade next school year. She has been in a private school, and has met more than half of the college entry requirements. She will still need to take two years of language arts, one year of science, and two years of US history, plus either two foreign languages or two technical courses. She is also planning on going to school for a degree that requires a lot of advanced math, so she will be taking a math course each year until graduation. In my opinion she should go ahead and take her college math, but she doesn't think she is ready for that.
My biggest challenges are the math courses she will be taking, and the chemistry she needs to take. I want to find something that will be robust enough that she learns what she needs to, but easy enough to follow that we can get through it with as few tears as possible. I did take college level chemistry, and college algebra, but it was a long time ago. I can't remember most of it.
For the rest of the subjects there are SO many good choices out there that I can't decide on one.
My fifth grader is a little easier. There are no advanced courses that I find intemidating, but still there are just SO many choices out there, how do I decide?
All that said, I think the easiest place to start this blog of our homeschool experience is to start with a list of books we would like to read either this year, or at some point. At least then I will not feel I'm just spinning my wheels.
These will be in no particular order. I'll worry about order later. :)
1. Simple Chemistry Experiments With Everyday Materials
by Louis V. Loeschnig ISBN 9780806906898
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