An interesting question popped up on one of my homeschool groups today and I answered it via email. I felt that it was a question many homeschool mothers struggle with (especially those in the unit study and unschooling arenas). Here below is the question that began this discussion:

I have a 7 yo 2nd grader (5 yo daughter and 3.5 yo son following behind him) - when do you feel it is important to implement homework & grades?

Unit studies are very hands-on for the most part; and hands on activities by their very nature are hard to grade. When it comes to subjects covered by our reading or unit studies it is very difficult for me to grade the children. For the most part, I haven't really done it. I know by their comprehension and memory retention of our studies whether they are learning the material. The fact that it is I who ask my son questions about bugs tells me that he is grasping Science in that area. The fact that he catches me misspelling words tells me that he is literate well beyond his years. Amazingly, we have never used a spelling curriculum (they get plenty of skills from reading and only re-copy spelling words they miss when they write papers or turn in penmanship worksheets). So far, the main subjects we have graded in are the ones that I have given them "seat work" (worksheets) for. Math, penmanship, phonics, geography, and writing are a few. In elementary, minimal if any grading is necessary (at least in Texas). However, to have a great high-school transcript, it might be beneficial to use rubrics to find an acceptable grading scale for even the most difficult-to-grade activities. I have a few rubric links at the bottom of this post if you are interested... they are a scaled grading tool based on a series of objective criteria. They can also help when grading written work (and are used by most college professors - so it would be good to share the requirements in your rubric with your older kids so they can understand the WHAT and HOW of getting good grades in college).

I know the arguments against grading... that we should be worried about mastery and not grades. This is the same argument that I would make against teaching "to the test". However, every household in homeschool is different and I wanted to share the reasons why we grade - to give you another viewpoint. Below was my answer to the above question and I explained the WHY behind our grading methods... and gave a few tips on pitfalls to avoid if you do implement grading for your kids:



We have always used A Beka math and I have always given my children grades. I keep grades and do report cards (but for the last few years I have not been doing the report cards because it seems we move every year and I get behind on grading and have to catch up). Grading and record keeping is a lot of extra work for teacher - be prepared. I would suggest that you keep on top of it or it will drag you down. [Been there, done that.] However, my kids like to have grades and report cards so that they can share them with grandma and grandpa who pay for A's. Also, the grades prepare them for the tests that we take every year online or with the state (for two years we lived in Arkansas where it was mandatory to take a full battery Iowa Skills test).

"No saint, no hero, no discoverer, no prophet, no leader ever did his work cheaply and easily, comfortably and painlessly, and no people was ever great which did not pass through the valley of the shadow of death on its way to greatness."
~ Walter Lippmann (1889-1974)

I have never really done "homework" other than making my kids finish work in the evening that wasn't finished in the morning on a rare occasion. This year, though, I finally got tired of the "math struggle" (my son has a real problem with daydreaming, doodling, and taking too long on math sheets). Instead of making our day WAIT on my son - dragging math out for over an hour and ending up not accomplishing many other things on our list... I decided to set a timer and take a standard amount of time each day for Math. That has been really a great thing - since now, we all remain in a good mood, they have a boundary and know what is expected of them - know that life will move on and we won't be stuck on Math "forever" (which wasn't fair to the other kid), and more school gets done! Why I didn't do this earlier is beyond me. Sometimes we get stuck in a rut, I guess. So now, we have "homework" for whatever is not completed in the time given. This is a REAL motivation factor - since homework may not be started until Daddy gets home (we usually do school until 5). When Daddy gets home, the kids want to be off so they can play video games with him. Homework cuts in to their "fun" time and "free" time. It usually VASTLY decreases the amount of time it takes for them to get their work done (what may have taken an hour to do while Mom was waiting - that may only take a mere 10 minutes when Dad is home!). "Homework" has been a 'magic bullet' in helping us become self-motivated to get things done!

Proverbs 6:6 ~ "Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!"

My kids are 9 and 11 (recently had birthdays). The homework didn't really start until the last few years (we used this method some while we were living in AR the past 2 years also... But not as much since Daddy was working nights and evenings and odd shifts...). We have always done the grades and now are having success with SET TIMES for seat work. We only use homework as a necessary tool to get work completed when they dawdle. ;) I think the homework teaches diligence, efficiency, and helps the child have more responsibility for their own actions. My reasoning is that Daddy can not walk off the job if his work is not done (he is salary and often has to work unpaid overtime to complete his work). In our case, homework is teaching better character!

Colossians 3:23 ~ "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men"

A warning about grades: My kids have learned that if they miss a few problems, they can still make a passing grade on their worksheets for math. It took a few years in elementary for this to sink in. They started off upset when they didn't make a 100%, but gradually came to be happy as long as it didn't go below 90%. In the past three years, though - as math continued to get harder, they began to let the grades slip into the 80's and sometimes 70's. They KNEW it was not their best work, but did not want to redo the paper. A Beka uses a lot of review, so this didn't bother me as long as they understood the concept... at least not until they started slipping into the C's. I offered them a chance to redo - but they both are not math lovers. After a while I started seeing this as a character issue - laziness! This past year I made a change: any time I get a worksheet that is below 80% I REQUIRE a redo. This adds to their next day's load of work. Having a rule in place (ie: "YOU WILL REDO MATH PAGES BELOW 80%") takes the blame off of you as the teacher and puts the responsibility squarely on the child to work to their best ability or suffer the consequences. I hand these papers back to my kids with a blank sheet of notebook paper and they turn them in on the next school day. This has improved their grades this year since last year they were allowing their grades to slip (and not because they didn't understand the concept). This problem was MY problem in public school as well - I made average grades because I NEVER turned in my homework and knew how to "cheat" the grading system to do the least amount of work I could get away with. As humans, we are always seeking the "path of least resistance" (we tend to fall into laziness and atrophy if given the chance). Make sure you don't allow grading to be a crutch.

Proverbs 12:24 ~ "Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in slave labor."

The great thing about homeschooling is that you are THERE with your child. You get to discover their strengths, weaknesses, habits, attention span levels, learning styles, and more. You know what character traits they need to work on. You can zone in on a weakness and work with them to become strong. Being there for the 8 hours they would be in someone else's classroom will provide you with opportunities to get to know your kid better than most parents know their kids. Whether you grade or not, you should reflect on WHY you do what you do... have a reason for it - and stand up for it. Life is more meaningful when we flesh out the reasoning behind it - when we have a purpose. God doesn't want us to drift along with the tides. He wants us to take a firm stand (on the rock) and be ready to give answer for the hope that we have. He also requires that we be ever teachable. So what may work for you today - may NOT work for you tomorrow. Be willing to set your own ideas aside if God calls you down a different path.

[Boy, there's a lesson that I needed myself today!]

Have a super Thursday!


Quick Links:
Discovery Education: Rubrics
More Rubrics and Evaluation Tools
Teach-nology: Even more Rubrics



Subscribe to Sprittibee by Email

Buzz Words: Homeschooling, Grades, Grading, Rubric, Education, Teaching, Homeschool, Teacher, Children, School, Elementary, Christianity, Character, Habits, Parenting, Math, Motivation, Opinion, Excellence, Report Cards

Labels: advice, grades, homeschool, parenting, teaching, testing

Subscribe to Sprittibee by Email

Buzz Words: Homeschooling, Encouragement, Politics, Pat on the Back, Education, Radio, Homeschool, News, UT, Austin, Teaching, Elementary, SAHM, Humor, Parenting, Funny, Talk Show, Opinion

Labels: homeschool, humor, parenting, teaching, Texas

One of my budding photographers caught these bovines out the car window as we whizzed by yesterday. We spent a fun day on a Texas History field trip and a lot of time in the car. Maybe the next time we take a trip down that stretch of road, I'll find a way to park and get up close to those longhorn cattle to get some detailed photos. They are so pretty and graceful.

My plan is to get a new camera if we get our stimulus package check in the mail any time soon. I'm passing my other digital 5px. down to the kids. They are eager to get it and already borrowing it for fun. In the mean time, I keep promising to get the next year added to my homeschool records post. I'm planning to tackle that this week. Today we are off to art class after school and need to finish scaling laundry mountain (going out of town over the weekend always makes the following week's worth of housework difficult!).



Enjoy the start of yesterday's sunset here in Texas while we seize our day!

Carpe Diem!


Subscribe to Sprittibee by Email

Buzz Words: Homeschooling, Camera, Pictures, Sunset, Kids, Children, Homeschool, Photos, Texas, Cows, Farmland, Life, Personal, Teaching, Parenting

Labels: parenting, personal, photos, Texas

Sorry for neglecting you all weekend, but we were having fun with family that we never get to see (and there were eight children there - four of which were "internet age"). It just wasn't going to happen that I had ample time to post anything!

A wonderful thing happened at the table over our Chipotle tacos, last night, though. I wanted to share (because I'm still smiling inside):

"I can't wait to get home and finish reading that G. A. Henty book about Jerusalem", I said.

"Yeah, that is a great book," Kaden agreed. "I wish I had thought of bringing it on our trip."

"I love the G. A. Henty series and the Elsie Dinsmore series because they don't have any pictures. It is so much better when you imagine things." Morgan (recently turned 9) told us.

I had to laugh inside - I was so excited she said it! She's the baby of the family, so it was like a milestone - just as important as crawling and walking to me!

"Yeah, you know, when you are reading and you have this great image in your mind... and then you turn the page and see an illustration of what you were reading about - and it is TOTALLY different? I hate that!!!" Kaden said between bites of cilantro-lime rice and black beans.

How cool is that?! Almost as cool as Chipotle!! [I'm kidding... sortof.]


Subscribe to Sprittibee by Email

Buzz Words: Homeschooling, Encouragement, Reading, Pat on the Back, Kids, Children, Homeschool, Books, Literacy, Children, Teaching, Elementary, History, Classics, Parenting, Whole Books, Charlotte Mason, Education, Literature, Mind

Labels: food, history, homeschool, motherhood, parenting, personal, reading, teaching

With payday behind us and bills paid, we are about to put the rest of our hard earned money in the tank to head out of town and see family this weekend. Texas is a big place and any small trip would span a few states up North. Just think... half of the distance between Houston and Los Angeles, California is JUST the stretch of Interstate 10 between H-town and El Paso! I know. I've been down it. Half way to the Pacific, man! Not much on that journey to see, either... well - at least that you can see from the freeway, that is... or at least until you pass El Paso and get into the SW states. I10 isn't my favorite freeway, can you tell?

Anyhoo... As I prepare to give blood at the gas tank, I've gathered up a few links for you that will hold you over until Saturday.

I'll try and blog from my destination in between goofing off with family and getting a month's worth of Law and Order from Pawpaw's cable. We don't get cable or watch TV at home, so I have to get my fix on vacation. Don't tell me about who's dying on Survivor or who the latest American Idol is. I would just stare at you blankly, smile, and nod in impervious agreement. Yes, I like blissful ignorance when it comes to prime-time TV. However, shows like 24 and Law and Order, I miss. I also miss HGTV - but that is probably why I gave up cable in the first place (other than the other 99% of trash they play 24/7, that is). I turn in to a complete vegetable in front of HGTV. I have no will power to get up off of the couch or escape. Candice Olson has a spell on me. I am serious, people. I could not homeschool knowing that Divine Design was accessible in my living room. That is ALSO why I can't subscribe to Better Homes and Garden. Ask my husband or my movers - they will tell you about back injuries received by toting my past ten years worth of BH&G magazines around every time we move.

So here, the token links (don't say I never gave you anything for Washington's Birthday):

Texas Hill Country Coloring Book
My New Favorite Craft Blog (I'm in love with her pictures)
Identify Fishes in TX Freshwaters
Charlotte Mason Carnival (drat! I don't have a post in it!)

And here are a few facts about Texas from an email my father-in-law sent me:

Texas Facts

Here are some little known, very interesting facts about Texas...

1. Orange, TX to El Paso, TX = 886 miles
(incidentally, the 886 mile marker on Interstate 10 in Orange is the highest mile marker in North America).

2. El Paso is closer to Los Angeles (750 mi.) than to Orange (across New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada and California).

3. Orange is closer to Columbia SC (870 mi.) than to El Paso (across Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia and 1/2 of South Carolina).

4. World's first rodeo was in Pecos, July 4, 1883.

5. The Flagship Hotel in Galveston is the only hotel in North America built over water.

6. The Heisman Trophy was named after John William Heisman who was the first full-time coach for Rice University in Houston.

7. Brazoria County has more species of birds than any other area in North America.

8. Aransas Wildlife Refuge is the winter home of North America's only remaining flock of whooping cranes.

9. Jalapeno jelly originated in Lake Jackson in 1978.

10. The worst natural disaster in U.S. history was in 1900 caused by a hurricane in which over 8000 lives were lost on Galveston Island.

11. The first word spoken from the moon, July 20, 1969, was " Houston."

12. King Ranch in South Texas is larger than Rhode Island and Vermont.

13. Tropical Storm Claudette brought a US. rainfall record of 43" in 24 hours in and around Alvin in July 1979.

14. Texas is the only state to enter the U.S. by TREATY, (known as Constitution of 1845 by Republic of Texas) instead of by annexation. This allows the Texas flag to fly at the same height as the US flag, and Texas may divide into 4 States if it so chooses.

15. A Live Oak tree near Fulton is estimated to be 1500 years old.

16. Caddo Lake is the only natural lake in the state.

17. Dr Pepper was invented in Waco in 1885. There is no period after Dr in Dr Pepper.

18. Texas has had six capital cities:

1. Washington-on-the-Brazos
2. Harrisburg
3. Galveston
4. Velasco
5. West Columbia
6. Austin

19. The Capitol Dome in Austin is the only dome in the U.S. which is taller than the Capitol Building in Washington D.C. (by 7 feet).

20. The name Texas comes from the Hasini Indian word "tejas" meaning friends. Tejas is not Spanish for Texas.

21. The State animal is the Armadillo. [An interesting bit of trivia about the armadillo is they always have four babies! They have one egg, which splits into four, and they either have four males or four females.]

22. The first domed stadium in the U.S. was the Astrodome in Houston.

23. The first air conditioned building in the United States was the First Presbyterian Church in Orange, TX . [It was created by a fan blowing over blocks of ice through wooden ducts up into the chapel - to attract higher attendance during the hot summer months (circa 1900).]

24. THE TEN COMMANDMENTS - TEXAS STYLE :

People here in Texas have trouble with all those "shalls" and "shall nots" in the ten Commandments. Folks here just aren't used to talking in those terms. So, some folks out in west Texas got together and translated the "King James" into "King Ranch" language:

Ain't but one God.
Honor yer Ma & Pa.
No telling lies or gossipin'.
Git yourself to Sunday meetin'.
Put nothin' fore God.
No foolin' around with another feller's gal.
No killin'.
Watch yer mouth.
Don't take what ain't yers.
Don't be hankerin' for yer buddy's stuff.

Y'all have a good Day.

Yeeeehaw!!!


Buzz

Labels: links, personal, Texas

We had a blast last weekend at the co-op art fair. My kids and I went through three years of artwork and they picked their favorites to display on their tables. Some of it was art done on the backs of church prayer cards, some sketches on notebook paper, a couple of paint-by-numbers, and some "real" artwork that covered entire sheets of cardstock with vibrant color. Anything you could create was fair game: a crossbow, a shawl, a poem, a dinosaur fossil replica! We had over 20 kids participate. Our co-op is rather large, so it is sad that less than half of the children entered the fair.

One of our moms created comment sheets for everyone to write on as they stopped to look at the art. I know my kids treasure the encouragement and kind words. What a great way to spur on your children to make more art and feel more confident that what they create really matters! I'm going to get some Crown art awards (art medals) for the children that participated and hand them out the next time we all gather together in a large group (kind of like an informal awards ceremony).

One of my favorite pieces of art was a watercoloring by a preschool child of a "choo-choo train". For some reason it really made me happy! Art is like that - it just makes you smile inside looking at the expressions of beauty that people can produce. Creativity is one of our most wonderful characteristics... the very DNA of our creator.

Art is a collaboration between God and the artist, and the less the artist does the better. ~ Andre Gide (1869 - 1951)

Subscribe to Sprittibee by Email

Buzz Words: Homeschooling, Encouragement, Art, Fun, Painting, School, Homeschool, Art Fair, Creativity, Kids, Teaching, Self Esteem, Color, Children, Parenting, Photos, Paint, Fossil, Lessons, Education, Poetry, Enrichment

Labels: art, fun, homeschool, motherhood, parenting, photos, teaching

I think by far the most fun part of blogging is the people you come to know. After all, a blog is a glimpse into someone’s life (even the political blogs are a glimpse into someone’s life – sometimes one you wish you didn’t have to see!). Being a Homeschool mom, I thrive on the bonds I have made between other kindred souls traveling my same path. That is why the opinions of other homeschoolers matter to me. Even if I don’t always participate in every meme, I am treasuring your invitations, comments and emails. I wanted to thank especially – Trish, Robin, and Jocelyn – for tagging me in the past few months to participate in some bloggy fellowship. I’m finally reciprocating… for shame on me for taking so long!

Robin and Jocelyn gave me the Excellent Blog Award…



According to the rules of the Excellent Blog award:

By accepting this Excellent Blog Award, you have to award it to 10 more people who’s blog’s you find Excellent Award worthy. You can give it to as many people as you want but please award at least 10. Thank you out there for having such great blogs and being such great friends! You deserve this! Feel free to award people who have already been awarded…

I’m excited to share this award with others, yet I know that some of you probably have already gotten the award – that is the beauty of a “circle of online friends”. Also, I want you to know before hand that there’s no WAY I could list all my favorite blogs with only ten slots up for grabs! I have grown to love so many people through their blogs in the past three years that my list is much longer than ten. So start with these ten and then follow the links on their sidebars for more bloggy goodness!

Excellent Blogs:
1. The Homeschool Blog Awards (yeah, I'm partial - but there are 8 other ladies contributing!)
2. Amy of Amy's Humble Musings
3. Linda Fay of Higher Up and Further In
4. Beverly of About.com: Homeschooling
5. Dana of Principled Discovery
6. Dawn of My Home Sweet Home
7. Hallie of Confessions from the Rubber Room
8. Jessica of Trivium Academy
9. Boomama (who is not a homeschooler)
10. Heart of the Matter

Trish honored me with the Mathetes Award and added me to her Fruit of the Spirit Blogroll.

I have to state that while it feels good to get pats on the back, the main glory for all here on my blog (content, inspiration, life-stories… etc) goes to my Maker. These two awards are spiritual awards and I share them with humble thanks – and am glad to pass them on to others who shine the light of Christ.

Mathetes Award

Dan King, originator of the Mathetes Award, writes:

Mathetes is the Greek word for disciple, and the role of the disciple (per the Great Commission) it to make more disciples. I'd like to take the opportunity to award five other bloggers with this award and badge for acting in the role of a disciple of Christ. These five all share the message in their own creative ways, and I admire them all for what they do.

I'd like to pass it on to a few folks, too... I see you washing proverbial feet. I see you touching hearts. "Well done, good and faithful" blogger!

Excellent Disciple Bloggers
1. Ann of Holy Experience
2. Lori of All You Have to Give
3. Dianne of Bunny Trails
4. Sisterlisa of Apples of Gold Ministries
5. Growing in Grace
6. Amy of In Pursuit of Proverbs 31
7. Jocelyn, Robin and Trish (who are elsewhere linked in this post!)

I couldn't stop at 5. I only wish I could continue the list... there are so many faithful and encouraging Christian blogs out there that you could unwisely spend ALL day reading them and get nothing done at home!

Fruit of the Spirit Blogroll

From the Fruit of the Spirit introduction on Trish’s blog:

“In his letter to the Galatians, Paul wrote about the fruit of the Spirit ~ love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). The Fruit of the Spirit graphic was developed in an effort to recognize bloggers whose writings and postings in the blogosphere give us a glimpse of this fruit in their lives.”

And again from Trish’s site:

“I welcome your help in spreading this "blessing" thoughout the blogosphere. If there's a particular blog you believe reflects the fruit of the Spirit, please send me an email containing a link to that blog. Also, please include a sentence or two regarding your thoughts as to why/how that particular blog reflects the fruit of the Spirit.

Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. ~ Hebrews 10:24”

I’ll be nominating a few inspirational Christian bloggers via email to Trish. I hope you will join me in spurring your favorite Christian bloggers on to love and good deeds through the gift of encouragement. Let Robin, Trish, and Jocelyn be a shining example to you this week. That is what Christian friends are for!


Subscribe to Sprittibee by Email

Buzz Words: Blogging, Friends, Homeschool, Awards, Christian, Networking, Links, Encouragement, Inspiration, Excellence, Weblogs, Homeschool Moms, Online Community

Labels: blogging, faith, friends, homeschool, links, memes

I was up until 3 am helping with the carnival at the HSBA last night... Be sure to stop in. It is beautiful! The photos of one-room schoolhouses are charming, the quotes are inspiring, and the posts are MANY! There are 50 great homeschool blogs showcased there and lots of homeschool-related tips, contests, and encouragement. Sit down on your break with a cup of tea and browse them all.

Also, if you are wanting to see some field-trip-action, I'm reviewing my field trips from early elementary school over at HOTM today... you can leave a link to your own field trip in the Mr. Linky provided! Go visit Heart of the Matter and see the awesome job they have done with a redesign!

We have a dentist appointment today for all three of us (Daddy excluded) and I'm pretty tired. Catch you tomorrow!


Subscribe to Sprittibee by Email

Buzz Words: Blogging, Tips, Homeschool, Carnival, Carnival of Homeschool, Networking, Field Trip, Heart of the Matter, Children, Parenting, Links, SAHM, Online Community

Labels: carnival, Homeschool-Blog-Awards, links

Recently I had a question from another blogger on how to increase traffic and blog better. Not that I'm any sort of weblog expert, or anything... but I did answer their request and thought I would post it here for those of you who are new to blogging and need some tips. Here's my informal response that will help you have more fun blogging - because enjoying what you do tends to make you much BETTER at it... and when you are better at what you do - that will make people stand up and take notice!

How do I improve my blog and get more traffic?

1. Pay a blog designer if you don't know how to design yourself.

Designing your site is worth it. People like to see pretty blog designs up front. It is relatively inexpensive and there are plenty of designers who are just starting out that would give you a great rate.

Some good designers are (not in any order):

Susie of Bluebird Blogs (who did my Valentine theme)
Randa Clay (I love her name, by the way)
Amy of Split Decisions
Dawn of Barefoot Blog Designs
Everyday Design
Natalie Jost (who designed my site)
Swank Webstyle

... I could go on and on. Ask around! Everyone has a favorite! If I forgot you (and you are a blog designer), let me know and I'll add you to that list!

2. Check out your favorite blogs for design tips.

Most bloggers who enjoy blogging won't hesitate to offer some tips on design if you ask. I wrote an article way back when about blog design (back when I first paid to get my blog designed). Of course, I was only a 1-year blogger back then! Take it with a grain of salt! Another great place for advice is Blogging Basics 101.

3. INCLUDE PHOTOS on your posts.

Here's the image alteration program I use (for free) to create perfect sized, colored, etc. shots for my blog (everyone loves photos): FastStone Image Viewer. Most of the photos I use in my blog are 400 pixels by 300 pixels. You can easily enter the pixel size and shrink your photos to the perfect size (helping your blog load faster) with FastStone. There are other programs out there, too. Ask your favorite bloggers what they use! I load the images for my blog on to Photobucket (not into Blogger) because they are the program with the least amount of hassle and no limits. They also don't resize your images.

4. Every now and then, enjoy a good meme, quiz or blog-addict link.

Memes:
Thursday Challenge
Wordless Wednesday
Super Cool Meme
Classes You Would Take
MY HOMESCHOOL LUNCH (my very own meme)
8 Random Things
Homeschool Mom Meme

Quizzes:
Doctrine Quiz
Right or Left Brained?
What Sesame Street Character are you?
Your Perfect Major

Blog Funsies:
Blogstorm Snapshot
My Blog is a Masterpiece
Addicted to Blogging
My Blog is Cooler than Yours

5. Join the carnival. Submit your posts there.

Click over to read one of my carnivals to get an idea about what a blog carnival is... Carnival of Homeschool Yearbook Edition. Each week they are done by a different blogger on a different theme. Stick to a theme you know a lot about and love (my favorites that I have done are Wild West and Bees). They are fun to participate in and get you mingling with other like-minded bloggers.

6. Join blogrolls.

My rolls are listed on my sidebar if you need ideas. I'm on a cat blogroll, a Texas blogroll, family friendly blogroll, homespun bloggers, etc. Blogrolls help like-minded folks find each other in the big blogosphere.

7. Read Elise Bauer's articles about better blogging.

Elise is a blogworld diva. She really rocks. Her site "Simply Recipes" has been featured on TV... well, at least in Japan! Check her out at Elise.com and see how the pro-bloggers do it.

8. COMMENT on other people's blogs and get to know them.
Building relationships builds your own traffic.

9. Check out the Homeschool Blog Awards daily (or at least on Saturdays):

We do a "Better Blogging" post 2 Saturdays a month that is written for helping bloggers to learn tricks of the trade. Many of them are written by our very own Dawn of Barefoot Blog Designs. Scroll through our archives on the sidebar at HSBA for Saturday Better Blogging. I'm sure some of the tips will help you. This is my third year blogging almost, and I am learning new things all the time.

It couldn't hurt to hang out there and get nominated next October for the HSBA awards! Maybe you can win a category and get a button for your sidebar if you don't already have one!

10. Best of all, keep your content quality.

People get snagged because of the titles of posts and the pretty design and photos... but they keep reading if the content is good. You'll get repeat visitors if you fill a need, encourage, make someone laugh, inform someone, or are easy to relate to. People are looking for answers and connections online. Good quality will ensure your blog's future.

Subscribe to Sprittibee by Email

Buzz Words: Blogging, Tips, Homeschool, Carnival, Carnival of Homeschool, Networking, How To, Web Traffic, Advice, Memes, Links, Getting Noticed, Online Community

Labels: advice, blog-design, blogging, friends, fun, homeschool, links

My swap sister and I were both extremely tardy with sending our gifts in the mail for the January swap. However, we both finally DID send them and it was GREAT to get a package in the mail (just for me). Dawn sent me some LUXURY socks (well - that's what the label said, anyway). I wore them all day yesterday and to sleep in last night. I hated to take them off. My mom told me they were so "me". I happen to be a striped sock fanatic - who knew???

Dawn really outdid herself with the digital scrapbooking and frames cd, the chai tea mix, and those wonderful socks! Thanks for being my swap buddy, Dawn! You're the best!

Want to join the next swap and get in on the fun? We are leaving the swap for February open until Sunday the 17th. If you have already swapped before and are in for the next swap and want to save time, you can just forward me your completed questionnaire via email. If you haven't swapped before - please go leave a comment on the HSBA Feb. Swap post and we'll get you set up for this month!

What's better than getting stuff in your mail box that isn't a bill? Not much!


Subscribe to Sprittibee by Email

Buzz Words: Blogging, Gifts, Homeschool, Swap, Homeschool+Blog+Awards, Friends, Mail, Fun, Exchange, Swapping, Links

Labels: blogging, friends, fun, homeschool, personal, swap

Howdy folks. Happy Heart Day! Heather here - still hidden under a pile of paperwork. However, I am three trash sacks lighter since yesterday... and hopefull, today, I'll be finished with my project and MUCH more organized.

I wanted to let you all know about some happenings on the net that you won't want to miss.

First up... the launching of the Homeschool Lounge:

Here's the buzz from Heart of the Matter today... "The Homeschool Lounge is a FREE online social network community for Homeschool Moms; the very first of its kind! The vision of The Homeschool Lounge is to connect Homeschool Moms from all corners of the web; get advice, give advice, share, learn and laugh with those who truly understand you. There is something for everyone inside the many pages of this pioneer website so go check it out!"



Second up... next week will be The Homeschool Blog Awards hosting of the Carnival of Homeschooling:

Dawn created us a fabulous graphic. The theme will be 'One Room Schoolhouse'. Be sure to get your submission in as early as possible. Check out Henry's instructions on where to send them or visit blogcarnival to enter your post.

I better get back to my project!

Have a super Valentines Day! My you be filled with the Love of Christ!


Subscribe to Sprittibee by Email

Buzz Words: Blogging, Organizing, Homeschool, Carnival, Carnival+of+Homeschool, Networking, Moms, Projects, Homeschoolers, Friends, Links, Valentines, Online Community

Labels: blogging, carnival, friends, getting-it-done, homeschool, Homeschool-Blog-Awards, links

We are officially scrapping the week's lesson plans. Yes, boys and girls... Daddy is out of town (on what very well may be his last business trip of the year) and my house is covered in piles of STUFF. You see... we have all these projects that can't be done without ample sit-down-and-sort time... and Daddy hates sorting mess and piles. Therefore, I prayed hard about what best to do with our time apart and THIS WAS THE ANSWER I got. I think. Anyway, I'm sure he'll be so thrilled this weekend when he comes home and there are boxes in the garage that have been emptied, the pile of tax paperwork is not on the dining room table any more, and we are one step closer to having a functioning school room upstairs.

We ARE, however, doing ART (and Math), and Reading... and our nature journals. We have an art fair this weekend for our co-op. I feel like I am completely goofing off (even though I am working at organizing my house and 'school' like crazy). I picked up this book last night: The Organized Homeschooler - and READ IT AGAIN. I am convinced that Vicki Caruana is an angel sent by God to help save me from chaos. Seriously, you have to have this book... It should come standard with the homeschooling welcome packet.


So... needless to say, there won't be photos in this post because I am in my nightgown and the house is a war zone of paperwork and boxes. I have until Friday to get things back in order. You think I could manage to make Valentine ornaments and get all our art matted for display by Saturday as well? I don't know. I guess time will tell.

In the mean time... PLEASE VISIT THESE LINKS (they are inspiring):

THE COOLEST Valentine heart ornaments EVER

Heather's Scrapbooky Blog - takes a while to load (and has music)... but she has great photos and layouts

More scrapping to get your creative juices flowing...

Need a laugh?

LJC's valentine heart photo frame project - she's always up to something creative

Twinkle lights in a jar - make them red or pink and you'll have a great Valentine decoration!

What Valentine's Day is complete without nachos?

You may resume your day.


Subscribe to Sprittibee by Email

Buzz Words: Fun, Organizing, Storing, Cleaning, Paperwork, Parenting, SAHM, Projects, Homeschool, Getting Things Done, Links, Valentines, Crafts, Mom

Labels: art, fun, getting-it-done, holidays, house, links, personal

Morgan wrote this letter to the makers of Tom's of Maine Toothpaste. She had it ready to go and finished the envelope (by getting the address off the box) during her pen-pal/correspondence time one school day before Christmas. I had NOTHING to do with this one - and had NO idea she was working on it! I died laughing when I read it.

She looked at me and asked, "What??!!??!!"

I told her she was cute. She didn't mind; she likes making me laugh. My Morgan is a funny one.


Subscribe to Sprittibee by Email

Buzz Words: Kids, Writing, Parenting, Teeth, Dentist, Motherhood, Penpal, Children, Homeschool, Homeschooling, Humor, Education, Funny, Moms

Labels: homeschool, humor, motherhood, parenting, writing

That's the title of my new article at HOTM up there. God continues to work on my heart. This Valentines-Month He has turned my heart inward - to the center of our homelife. Join me at Heart of the Matter to find out more and read the article...

To read the whole issue for February, click the graphic! They also have a new pdf option in their sidebar up top on the right hand side of the site. You can print the whole magazine and read it in your free time - without back-lighting hurting your eyes! They are one step closer to the printing press and it is only their 2nd issue!


Subscribe to Sprittibee by Email

Buzz Words: Magazine, Writing, Parenting, Christian, Heart, Motherhood, Article, Valentines, Homeschool, Homeschooling, Children, Education, Uplifting, Moms

Labels: advice, faith, heart, homeschool, motherhood, parenting, teaching, writing

I have been enjoying being more active with the kids - going places, doing things, nature walking. It has helped us all feel better and the school week has whizzed by. So far having extra activities hasn't been that hard on the academic schedule, but I'm praying for balance. Tomorrow is our day off with Daddy and we'll be treasuring him all the more because he's on his way out of town for a business trip. Below are a few interesting distractions I'll leave you with while I enjoy my weekend...

DOCTRINE QUIZ.... How Sprittibee scored (very interesting, no?)...

Which theologian are you? created with QuizFarm.com

You scored as John Calvin Much of what is now called Calvinism had more to do with his followers than Calvin himself, and so you may or may not be committed to TULIP, though God's sovereignty is all important. Karl Barth 67% Anselm 67% John Calvin 67% Martin Luther 67% Jonathan Edwards 47% Paul Tillich 47% Charles Finney 40% Friedrich Schleiermacher 33% Augustine 33% Jürgen Moltmann 27%

HEALTHY LIVING ESSAY (for BlogHer):

Check out my BlogHer essay for the contest to win a free trip to San Francisco for BlogHer '08... sorry, but it fits my other blog better... so that's where I posted it. While you are reading it at Gathering Manna... stop in for a few recipes. Last night we ate the lentil burritos and they were great. You can't beat paying less than $3 bucks to feed 5 people!

Eventually today (after I get to bed, sleep in, have a big breakfast, clean the kitchen, take my daughter out to catch a minnow in the pond, clean off muddy boots...etc), I'll be posting over at HSBA with the February Homeschool Swap! Come see me over there if you can.

Happy Saturday!


Subscribe to Sprittibee by Email

Buzz Words: Politics, Scary, Parenting, Rights, Freedom, Government, Legislature, UN, International, Law, Sovereignty, Homeschool, Legal, Petition, Global, Christianity

Labels: blogging, contests, faith, fun, Jesus, personal

I'm off to a field trip today and wanted to leave this very important note up for you to read while I'm away. Hat tip to MandyMom. Thanks for the heads up!

Hey gals- please go to this site, http://parentalrights.org , to sign a petition! As Christian parents, homeschooling mothers, this is IMPORTANT!

Here's an excerpt from the site:

The precarious state of parental rights within our nation is reason enough for serious concern. With cases like these filling the courts, every parent should be concerned about the protection and preservation of their rights.

But another storm is rapidly forming on the horizon.

International law that seeks to empower the government to intrude upon the child-parent relationship is becoming an increasing threat. The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), a seemingly harmless treaty with dangerous implications for American families, is approaching possible ratification by the United States.

If this treaty is made binding upon our country, the government would have the power to intervene in any child's life to advance its definition of "the best interests of the child." The scenarios that could occur—and are occurring—as a result of this dangerous notion are both manifold and frightening.

Under the UNCRC, instead of following due process, government agencies would have the power to override your parental choices at their whim because they determine what is in "the best interest of the child."

In essence, the UNCRC applies the legal status of abusive parents to all parents. This means that the burden of proof falls on the parent to prove to the State that they are good parents—when it should fall upon the State to prove that their investigation is not without cause.

Subscribe to Sprittibee by Email

Buzz Words: Politics, Scary, Parenting, Rights, Freedom, Government, Legislature, UN, International, Law, Sovereignty, Homeschool, Legal, Petition, Global, Christianity