A Winner in the Family!

A few weeks ago, my girlie's soccer team mom mentioned AYSO Soccer was teaming up with Disney for a team spirit contest.  She asked if anyone on the team would be interested in writing a 100 word or less essay showcasing how our team demonstrated team spirit and sportsmanship.  Our girlie jumped at the opportunity and was so excited to write the essay.

The deadline for submission was November 18th.  The winner would be announced December 2nd.

This morning my girl came bouncing downstairs with her hands covering her face with excitement.  She said, "Mom, today's the BIG day!"

What big day?  December 2nd?  I had forgotten about the contest.

She hadn't.

She remembers everything!

I didn't want to tell her the odds of her winning was probably pretty slim.  I sure hope I'm not a pessimist, but really, what are the odds?

Tonight as I was waiting for her to finish gymnastics, I received this email.

Hello Kimberly! My name is __ from the AYSO National Office. Thanks so much for entering the AYSO/Disney-Pixar Cars 2 Team Sportsmanship Contest. We’re so excited to inform you that your wonderful submission has won you and team _____ (U-10) the Cars 2 Team Party! Congratulations! Please contact me on Monday so we can follow up with you on the details of your prize. Great job and again, congratulations!

I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!!   I'm so proud of our girlie!

She's optimistic!  She's full of HOPE!  She's a WINNER!

According to the submission form the winning team will receive:

a Cars 2 themed dinner, plus each player will be presented with a "great sportsmanship" trophy and their own copy of the Cars 2 Blu-ray™ combo pack.

Very exciting news at our house tonight!  Look like a celebration is in order.

Writing What We Know About- Subway

Like many parents these days we try to daily feed our kids wholesome, healthy meals.  We consume good proteins, whole grains, healthy fats, fruits and vegetables regularly.  But I must admit, during busy sports seasons, there are times when it's just hard to pull the meals-on-the-run together.  So when we're on  the run, not wanting to spend a bundle of money feeding a family of five, one of the best options for a quick lunch has become Subway.

Everyone in the family enjoys a 6" sub with ham or turkey on whole wheat, all the vegetables, no mayo, extra banana peppers, jalapenos on the side.  I've ordered that so many times it just rolls off the tongue.

Last week, I came across a writing activity that seems perfect for our family.  It's the "Subway Fresh Fit Family All Star Challenge."  Subway and Scholastic have teamed up in this endeavor to encourage healthy eating, active lifestyles and less time in front of a screen.

Interested families/students answer the question, "How does your family take steps to be healthy and active?"

The contest began January 14, 2011 and runs until June 30, 2011.  All entries must be received by June 30.

This contest is open to homeschoolers.  I read in 2008, Subway excluded homeschoolers, but that is no longer the case. 

The grand prize is $5,000 worth of athletic equipment, Scholastic gift basket, subway card, and the story published online and in the Scholastic Parent & Child magazine.

This week we'll begin working on our Subway contest submission.  Let's hope for the best! 

For the Love of Writing

Writing can be a difficult and overwhelming task for many children and young adults. Our kids have kept journals since we began homeschooling and I encourage them to write in them daily. Journaling has been a great way to record exciting or memorable events in the kids’ lives and they love looking back at the way they wrote or what they wrote about. It helps them develop sentence structure, grammar usage, penmanship, and punctuation skills.

The kids' journals.  Well worth the fifty-cents they cost at the beginning of the school year!

Along with journaling, they’ve all followed an English curriculum that assigns writing projects. In these they learn about topic sentences, introductions, the body of the work, and conclusions. From there they’ve written a few stories, biographies, how-to papers, etc.

Some homeschool families opt to not do English.  We implement it throughout the year. 

There have been times I’ve asked our kids to write freely or expand on a topic after I ask an open-ended question. Such a question might be, “Write about the most interesting event you experienced last summer.” If I ask our children that question only requiring a verbal response each one would probably give great details and descriptions of the summer event. But, if I asked them to write a one page summary of their summer vacation, their response may be, “I don’t know what to write.” Following their response, may be the ensuing stress, frustration, and discouragement from the sudden onset of writer’s block.


This past year we decided to enroll our oldest son in a writing class at a local homeschool education program. I thought this might be a good idea to have someone else besides me require writing assignments with set deadlines and standards. His teacher used a book called Jump-In: A workbook for Reluctant and Eager Writers by Sharon Watson. It is published by Apologia Press. This book was great for our son! The assignments were broken down in easily completed skill segments. Most importantly, he actually enjoyed doing his work and writing the papers. He wrote a number of papers this year including a biography, book report, opinion paper, a newspaper article a how-to paper and a compare and contrast paper to name a few. Through this writing program, he built confidence as a writer. I think he even began to develop a fondness for writing.

Jump In by Apologia

Next year the same homeschool program will potentially offer a class based on the Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW). After reading the following review I think we’ll definitely consider taking this class or possibly purchase the curriculum for home use.

I found a post on homeschool blogger.com explaining the IEW program.

Here’s the post by Catherine: http://homeschoolblogger.com/brindamorr/?p=2277

When I first began homeschooling, I tried to learn as much as could as quickly as I could. I joined groups, message boards, and Facebook pages. One thing that I noted early on was that a lot of people raved about the Institute for Excellence in Writing. (usually called IEW) Any time the subject of writing programs came up, there would be glowing reports of IEW, and how much the children enjoyed Andrew Pudewa. When I was given the opportunity to use and review this program, I was thrilled!

When the box from IEW arrived, I opened it right away. Inside I found a DVD, Structure and Style Overview. This is a recorded lecture by Mr. Pudewa. Anxious to see this highly recommended program explained, I played the DVD. For 2 hours and 20 minutes, he described the method of teaching, how he learned it, and the ways we can best support our kids as they go through the courses. It’s very well done. Available for $10.00, it is a priceless introduction.

I saw immediately why the children enjoy these classes. Andrew Pudewa is encouraging, engaging, funny, and moves at a good pace. He also gives wonderful advice about editing vs lecturing, subject matter, and much more.
~~
After I watched the Overview, I looked more closely at the Student Writing Intensive Course. I found 4 DVDS, student binders with worksheets, and teacher’s pages.

If you like organization, you will adore the teacher’s syllabus. Each lesson is written in perfect detail. Each DVD is outlined by time stamp. Each lesson is also shown in several different ways. There is a chart, a day by day schedule, and then the actual lessons; these have teacher’s notes, student writing checklists, the reading sources, and pages for reinforcement of the recorded lesson. There is also a page that has helpful suggestions for lesson planning, how to teach the course, and even a paragraph that walked me through setting up the student binders. Everything was in order. I lined up my first lesson supplies and we were ready.
~~
I am happy to report that the outline follows Mr. Pudewa perfectly, all of the source material was correctly sequenced, and it was very easy to follow along as he taught. If notes are to be taken, there is either a pre-made sheet to fill in, or he very carefully describes what he wants the children to write on their pages. The sheets that are included are color coded, so that there is no mistaking what he wants when he says “the yellow sheet” or “the pink sheet”.

Although the DVD portion of the course originally took place over 4 days, this is ideally taught over 15 or 30 weeks. The teacher notes correlate which parts of the recorded session go with each lesson, because you will be watching the DVDs in smaller parcels of time. If you need to go back and find a specific thing (such as how you were first taught to write a conclusion) you can easily look to see that on Disc One, at 9:04, that subject is covered.

Even reluctant or disorganized writers can turn in beautiful papers if they apply this method. The biggest stumbling block, (what to write about) is removed for the children. Then they are given some tricks, like how to outline ideas, remove boring (banned) words, and “dress up” their writing. They are also taught how to write strong conclusions and great titles. All the while, they are laughing. (Yes, laughing!)

I thought this was a wonderful program. I’m grateful that it is available on DVD. My boys (who could never be still for a class like this) were able to sit in our living room, on our comfortable couch, and glean all of this wonderful information. Their fidgets didn’t disrupt anyone, and we could take breaks whenever we needed.

Student Writing Intensive is available in three levels. Level A is for elementary students, B for middle school, and C for High School. As I mentioned, we did Level B. The course is $99.00 which includes:

• Four DVDs

• A binder with dividers

• A packet with the teacher’s notes, handouts, and checklists (about 100 pages in all)

Additional Student Binders may be purchased for $18.00. (or $10.00 if buying the e-book version) Student pages may be reproduced within families, but not for co-ops.

All programs come with a 100% Money Back Guarantee if you are unsatisfied for any reason.

You’ll also find that each course description includes sample pages and some video clips like this one for SWI-B.
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The last item included in our package was the Portable Wall. I love this. It’s a trifold laminated folder with a pocket so a report in progress can be stored in it. It has the “dress ups”, word lists, and the hints that are taught in class printed on the inside and back. The student doesn’t have to take copious notes and then marinate in them. Everything is a glance away. I found this to be a great tool for reinforcement. It is available for $7.00 .
~~
I realize that most people are not like me. I get curriculum and I dive into it. If you tend to open the box and cringe, you’ll find help with these Yahoo groups. They are populated with plenty of experienced IEW families and moderated by IEW staff members. There are also several other help options such as Where to start?, FAQ, and contact us located on the Help Page.

If you visit the website, www.excellenceinwriting.com, you’ll find a wealth of information available. Contact information for homeschooling families, schools, and international orders will be found on this page. General Inquires and Homeschoolers will use this information:

• Call toll free: 800.856.5815 (local 918.894.5802)

• Email:info@excellenceinwriting.com

• Fax: 603.925.5123

• Write: 8799 N. 387 Rd., Locust Grove, OK 74352
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The Institute for Excellence in Writing offers several other writing course options and an in depth seminar for parents about teaching the IEW courses.

IEW also offers music, grammar, literature and poetry, spelling, theme based studies, eBooks, Pre-k items and more. You’ll also find lists of upcoming events and webinars, suggestions for which courses to take and in what order, past conferences and seminars, and information about the instructors.

Some of my TOS crew mates have reviewed a variety of the writing courses at all levels. Stop by the Crew Blog and read some more of the reviewsHERE.

**In order to write an informed review, I was given the materials mentioned. I was not compensated for this blog post, and my opinions are genuine.

Copyright © Our Village is a Little Different ~ Product Reviews and Homeschool Things Powered

I'm grateful for reviews like the preceding.  It helps making the decision what curriculum to purchase next year.

Baseball Poetry

This year our oldest son took a writing class through a local homeschool education program.  I love writing and actually liked teaching him to write, but thought he might benefit from some instruction, encouragement, and deadlines from someone other than me.  

The class has been very good for him.  At first, he was a little overwhelmed.  Upon receiving assignments, we'd discuss the topic, research and brainstorm his ideas.  He'd begin writing and then we'd fill in the gaps together.  Eventually, as the year went on, he said, "Mom, I'll do it on my own.  You can proofread, but I'll do it in my own words."  Wow, my guy gained independence and confidence in his writing!

Today he had to turn in a poetry cube.  He had to choose a theme and write six poems based on his theme.  He chose "Baseball."  He wrote five of the six required poems.  I'm not quite sure why he didn't write the sixth poem.  Maybe it will be his writing assignment for tomorrow.

Here's what he came up with:

Baseball

The green grass smells sweet

Crackling under my huge feet

Will this moment end?

  

Baseball

Happy, Joyful

Jumping, Running, Hitting

What an amazing Game

Baseball

  

Baseball

The American Pastime

Catching

Diving, Swinging, Hitting

Baseball

   

Batting

Around

Safe!

Enjoyment

Bases

All at

Little

League

  

Jackie Robinson

There once was a time in baseball

When the game was not open to all

Then came a man

Who took a stand

And to him we’re forever grateful.

In Memory of Precious Baby Chandler Grace

This has been a tough week for some close, precious friends.

Chandler Grace was born and died at 4:19 March 8, 2009.

We continue to support and pray for this dear mommy and her family.

At the memorial for Chandler Grace I was asked to speak and read Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, 11. These verses are taken from both the NIV translation and The Message.
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:
A time to be born and a time to die,
A time to plant and a time to uproot,
A time to kill and a time to heal,
A time to tear down and a time to build,
A time to weep and a time to laugh,
A time to mourn and a time to dance,
A time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
A time to embrace and a time to refrain,
A time to search and a time to give up,
A time to hold on and another to let go,
A time to keep and a time to throw away,
A time to tear and a time to mend,
A time to be silent and a time to speak,
A time to love and a time to hate,
A time for war and a time for peace,
He has made everything beautiful in its time.

I’d like to repeat…He has made everything beautiful in its time. Our Sovereign God has a perfect plan. He had a perfect life plan for Precious Baby Chandler Grace and she has forever changed Elissa and many others who have been affected by her short life.
Psalm 139:13-14, & vs. 16 tell us that God created Chandler’s inmost being; He knit her together in Elissa’s womb. We praise Him because she was fearfully and wonderfully made; His works are wonderful, we know that full well. All her days were ordained for her in His book before one of them came to be.
We can hold on to the Truth that God knew ALL of Chandler’s days. Her days were full of love by a mommy who adores her.
I think back to the day Elissa shared with me that she was going to have a baby. She had recently returned from YWAM and life happened. We met in the commons and I knew something was in her eyes. They sparkled with joy and excitement, but the tears of uncertainty welled up and spilled onto her cheeks. She had been given a great gift, but knew not what the future would hold. One thing is certain Elissa loved this little girl from the moment she knew she had conceived.
God is the amazing creator of life and He has a perfect plan for Elissa and Chandler. I’m crazy about Elissa and have loved her since she was a vivacious young AWANA girl experiencing life to the fullest! She remains the strong, vibrant person God designed her to be, but she has grown into a woman of character throughout these past months with Chandler.
Throughout her pregnancy God poured His grace into her life and she received it with open arms. Her strength and determination to provide a good life for her daughter has inspired many. She sought wise council, she pressed into Jesus and she sought Him in the Word, through prayer and while gathering with other believers. Among words people have recently used to describe her are:
Strong, inspiring, amazing, mature, brave, faithful, a passion for Christ, excellent, beautiful, precious, encouraging, amazing faith, one who leans on God and I would like to add worthy, valued, loved and adored. Lives have been touched by Elissa as she carried Chandler Grace.
I have seen Elissa grow her relationship with Jesus since her return and have seen her focus especially on building her foundation on the Rock! Matthew 7:24-27 (NIV) reads:
"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."
I know Elissa has a firm foundation on the ROCK and this storm has come, but she will not fall, she will stand strong and God will bring forth beauty from the ashes.
Isaiah 61 tells us that God will comfort all who mourn, and bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.
Lastly I’d like to close with a prayer of Psalm 34:18 from Beth Moore’s Praying God’s Word, “You, Lord, are close to the brokenhearted and save those who are crushed in spirit. You are surely close to Elissa, Lord. Help her sense your presence in her life. She needs you more than she needs her next breath. Amen.”