The “yes mom.” I’m afraid I may have morphed into her at some point. I’m not entirely sure how or when it happened but it left me a little unrecognizable. Yes, yes, yes…..I can do that! I can get you there and give you that and accommodate that.
Every year a few months before Christmas rolls around I start brainstorming unique gift ideas for our four kids. Christmas gifts to remember (and that get used…a lot!) are what we’re shooting for!
When that letter of intent to homeschool got sent off via registered mail my husband and I had many reasons for pulling our four kids out of the public school system.
Primary colors are one of the first art concepts I like to introduce young kids to in art. First, because they are a basic building block for understanding how to make all kinds of things. And second, because mixing colors is kind of magical. This color mixing coffee filter craft is a fun introduction to what happens when those primary colors mix together!
Once upon a time I remember discussing a friend of a friend that was a homeschooler. How presumptuous that they think they know everything their children need to be taught. They know ALL the math, science, reading etc.? They can give their child every experience they need to become a successful adult? No one person can know it all.
Our first year of homeschooling was last year. While I invested way too much money and research on curricula (way, way too much) I only bought a few storage boxes and a rolling cart to store books on. I set up on a corner of the kitchen table and that’s where we did school, hence “The Kitchen Table Classroom.” This year a homeschool room was a priority. We needed a new space that allowed quiet and focus.
This little project was all about line exploration with oil pastel and watercolor. It is easy, fun, and allows for a lot of individual interpretation and therefore a wide variety of finished products. When every child ends up with a piece of art uniquely theirs you know you have a winner!
I have pretty cursive handwriting, at least when I choose to. All those loop and swirls are satisfying to me as I drag my pen across a page. When we pulled our children from the public school system I was sure I would teach them to have legible, if not beautiful, handwriting. Cursive handwriting is a skill I want my kids to have. Or should I say, wanted them to have?
Chalk pastels are vibrant, dusty sticks of super blendable color- which makes them perfect for young artists! This unique technique combines dried glue outlines that give a little structure to bold and bright chalk pastels colors!