Advent is almost here!

by lookforjoy // November 26, 2015 // No Comments

I can’t believe that Dec 1 starts on Monday! I’m a little behind since I was just focusing on getting us through Thanksgiving, after which I thought I had some breather time to think about Advent. Nope.

I think this year we will be doing Truth in the Tinsel. We’ve done it once before and enjoyed it. It’s a good way to teach my kids about the meaning behind Christmas.

What I like about it:

It’s easy to remember. Since there are 24 activities, I know to do activity #1 on Dec 1, activity 2 on Dec 2 and so on.
It’s ok if you miss a day.
You learn about lessor known people like Elizabeth & Zechariah
You get a supply list so you know ahead of time what you need to buy.
There is a corresponding scripture to read each day.
Each day is about a page long – short & sweet.

On Friday ONLY, with code BLACKTINSEL, the ebook only will be 40% off! That’s less than 5 bucks!

Buy it here.

Disclaimer: Affiliate link used. All opinions are my own.

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Homeschool Spider Unit for Charlotte’s Web Book

by lookforjoy // November 13, 2015 // No Comments

We are currently reading through “Charlotte’s Web” by E. B. White. As part of our lesson, we are doing a unit on spiders. Click each picture to find the download.

Things we studied:

Life Cycle of a Spider. I found an advanced page for my 2nd grader and a simpler one for my Kinder.

Free download from teacherspayteachers.com

Read a Mini Book about Spiders

http://educationtothecore.com/2013/10/spiders-free-mini-book-and-writing/

Labeled parts of a spider – both children liked this. The Kinder practiced cutting & pasting. The 2nd grader practiced her writing instead of cutting and pasting.

Worked on Fact or Opinion statements about spiders for 2nd grader

Practiced some counting with spider counting cards for the Kinder

We read “The Very Busy Spider” by Eric Carle. Kinder had to organize the animal pictures in the order they occured in the story. 2nd Grader had to write the names of the animals in order.

Overall, my kids seemed to enjoy our unit study on spiders. Both were interested in it. It wasn’t too easy for the 2nd grader and not too “boring” for the Kinder.

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Fight or Flight Light Therapy – Checkup #4

by lookforjoy // November 3, 2015 // No Comments

I had my last checkup with Dr. Tessler who does Fight or Flight Light Therapy. My “circle” has expanded even more.

Positives that I see:

I feel calmer. When the storms of life rage around me, I feel a sense of calm.
I can better see the whole picture. This means that I can make decisions better, procrastinate less often.
I am agitated less often. I still have work in this area, but I have seen improvement.
My massage lady said that my shoulders weren’t as tense.

Even though I think I could still improve, I do not need to come back any longer. I do have some homework though. Dr. Tessler wants me to keep my current light and do three 30 minute sessions a week for 3 months. The reason is that I am currently going through a divorce (one of the reasons why I did this therapy – to cope better). The divorce should be over in 2 months. Doing these sessions, should keep me calmer and focused and just solidify all the changes that I have experienced already. After 3 months, I can sit with my light as needed.

To summarize: My main goal when I started the therapy – to help me cope with life better.That has been achieved. My original score on the questionnaire (that measures your stress level) was 153. Now it is 49. Under 50 is normal. Yay!

My initial evaluation

Checkup #1

Checkup #2

Checkup #3

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Fight or Flight Therapy – Checkup #3

by lookforjoy // October 19, 2015 // No Comments

I had my 3rd checkup with Dr. Tessler for my Light Therapy. My “circle” is still expanding. I am actually feeling calmer. I had some life things come at me during this last light filter and I was able to keep calm. I’m wondering if it’s just luck or am I really calmer? I wonder if my calmness is situational. Sometimes I don’t feel all that calm with my kids. But still…

I continue to see the “bigger picture”. This means that when something comes at me (like conflict, a negative email, etc) I’m able to look beyond my initial reaction and respond. I don’t just “react”, I “respond” in an appropriate way. I’m able to see people who I might consider an “enemy” in a different light and have some compassion for them. I can see alternatives.

Interesting changes… I’m still waiting to see if these are temporary and what will happen in the long run.

For now, I’m on my 4th filter. This may or may not be my last. It depends on how well I respond to it. I’m still moving at a snail’s pace in terms of progress – moving, but not huge amounts.

My initial evaluation

Checkup #1

Checkup #2

Checkup #4

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