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Homeschool Art Curriculum

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Draw3dPinAs a kid I loved Art.

It was my favorite subject.

Besides Recess and P.E. of course.

Art is something I try to include in my homeschool curriculum every year, but it always seems to take the back seat when life gets busy.

(If you follow my blog you may notice that I post TONS of art projects over the Summer when we actually have time for art.  I call it Summer Art School)

Anyway, this year I found an amazing drawing curriculum that is ONLINE and requires NO help from me.

Let me repeat that.

NO HELP FROM MOM.

I provided art journals, #2 pencils, and when asked a drawing stump.

But that was it.

I set up their username and password and let them be for a couple of weeks.  (i.e. Take it over Mark Kistler, this Mama is tired!)

Imagine my surprise when I picked up my daughter’s art journal and found this. (Continue Reading)

Fall Leaf Art Project

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There are so many amazing Fall Leaf Art Projects online that it’s hard to go wrong! We’ve done quite a few over the years with great success, but this year I think we’ve hit gold with our Watercolor Fall Leaf Art Project for Kids!

This art project technique is inspired by these DIY Crystal Gems I found at Small for Big. (They are beautiful aren’t they? I think we’ll be making them soon too!)

Fall Leaf Art Project:

Materials: 

(Watercolor Pencils are optional, I explain why below)

Step 1: Trace a leaf shape onto your paper.  If you have little ones you might do this part for them while they hold down the leaf.

Step 2: Draw a dot in the middle of your leaf.  Use a ruler to draw straight lines from the dot to the pointy end of each part of your leaf.  If you’re leaf doesn’t have many distinctive points, try to just spread out five or six diagonal lines.

Step 3: Draw connecting lines for each of your diagonal lines.  If your leaf has many points you can use them as guide lines for where to draw another shape. We’re trying to make sharp shapes like triangles, rhombus, etc.

Step 4: This is how your leaf will look when done drawing.  It’s sorta like a snowflake!

Step 5: Using your watercolors, begin filling in each shape with a different color. Try to make parts of the shape with BOLD and DARK color, and other parts with white or watered down color. You can use a napkin to blot out color and make white areas. This is great for making texture as well.

Step 6: Continue to fill in your shapes by alternating colors.  We’re sticking mainly to Warm colors like reds, oranges, yellows, but don’t be afraid to add in some browns, purples, and greens too.  These are all colors you’ll find in a fall leaf.

Step 7: Using a black watercolor pencil outline your leaf shape. You can use a sharpie marker as well, but I like the way a watercolor pencil “bleeds” into the painting a bit.

All Done! Frame your picture on black for a stunning display!

I love this project because the materials and the mess are minimal and children of all ages can participate. My 5 year old son did this Fall leaf and it turned out amazing!!

Here is a quick photo you can Pin for Later

Find Fall Leaf Templates, Coloring Pages, Worksheets, Sciene Resources and more here.

Pumpkin Prayer Printable

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It’s October and pumpkins are everywhere.

What a perfect opportunity to get creative with your little ones and tie in a little devotional as well.

Quite a few years ago I created this Pumpkin Prayer Minibook, and it’s become one of our most popular resources on Christian Preschool Printables.

 

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Today I thought I’d create a similar resource for older children or even young adults.

These Pumpkin Prayer Cards are perfect to pass out at youth Bible studies, place on your harvest tables, tie around pumpkins or insert in your bulletins.

Find more Pumpkin and Harvest Printables Here and Here

 

Pumpkins & Gourds Photo Matching

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PumpkinMatchingGame

One of my favorite things about Fall is all the beautiful pumpkins and gourds that start popping up at the stores.

I don’t know what it is about these bumpy squash that I love so much,

but my children love to dig in those big bins to find the most unusual ones.

Often these little pumpkins are on the expensive side,

so when I found these graphics I knew I had to get them and make a learning game to share with everyone!

PumpkinMatch

 

Print Pumpkins & Gourds Game Here

This set includes 12 different pumpkins and gourds for children to match up.

I recommend printing two sets on cardstock,

one for your gameboard and one for playing pieces.

This would also make a fun matching game to take with you to the pumpkin patch,

and let children have a Harvest Treasure Hunt!

You might even bring a few home for a hands-on matching center

Find More Pumpkin & Harvest Printables Here:

Preschool Pumpkin Printables

Christian Pumpkin Crafts & Printables

Pumpkin File Folder Games

Pumpkin Bible Verse Cards

 

Hidden Whiteboard Giveaway!!

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GiveawayLargePin2Today we have an AMAZING giveaway from The Hidden Whiteboard!!

This is one of my favorite products and it makes homeschooling in our dining room so much more versatile.

Previously I had a 4′ by 3′ whiteboard that was constantly driving my eyes batty when ever we sat down for a meal:

 

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You can read my entire Review of The Hidden Whiteboard Here but it’s easy to see why I love it.  It contains the chaos by storing the whiteboard neatly out of sight.  I even got to choose what photo or artwork I placed in the frame.  (This is actually a print from a local artist here in Oregon)

 

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Okay, so just for reference I paid $99.99 for my ugly whiteboard above which is 48 x 36.

 

The Hidden Whiteboard is available in different sizes and prices (This is the current pricing as of this post)

  • 21 x 11.5 accepts 8×10 photo (Retail $79, Sale: $59)
  • 27 x 15.5 accepts 11×14 photo (Retail $99, Sale $59)
  • 37 x 21.5 accepts 16×20 photo (Retail $129, Sale 99)    pictured above
  • 45 x 31.5 accepts 20×30 photo (Retail $169, Sale $119)

 

Plus when you purchase this week you can use the  coupon code: Crafty10 for 10% off

 

GivewayEnter

Freedom Bible Verse for Kids

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FreedomVerseCardPinI’ve gotten a little behind and I didn’t have time to post this to our main website, but I figured I’d share it here on the blog anyway!

This is a set of four different Freedom bible verse cards for children.  Each verse is written on a star shape and would be perfect to use during your Fourth of July crafts or as a take home card for children.

Download Here: Freedom Star Bible Verse Cards

Find more thematic Bible Verse Cards here.

 

Freedom Bible Verse Copywork

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FreedomFlagPin

 

If you’re looking for a way for children to lean about true Freedom in Christ we’ve created a special copywork page to help!

This American Flag features four different scripture references to freedom and is a great way to jumpstart conversations in your home and classroom.

Print this flag in color or black and white from BibleStoryPrintables.com

You’ll also find Fourth of July bookmarks, coloring pages and a patriotic prayer journal so children can learn to pray for our leaders.

Weekly Homeschool Calendar

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PlannerPin

Download Here: Weekly Planner Sharks

Download Here: Weekly Planner Flower

 

I know we’re mid-Summer, but if you’re like me you like to get a head start on some homeschool planning.

(or at least some homeschool pinning)

Today I have a super simple and updated version of our weekly homeschool planner.

I’m not sure if you can count it as a planner because really it’s just a single page, but it’s worked for me for the past 5+ years and I think it’s the easiest planner around.

You know I’m all about simple.

There is a place for children to write their name, the week number across the top. Subjects go in the left hand column, and daily assignments go across the row. There is a section for notes, as well as general life planning and after school events at the bottom.

If you’re looking for a complete planner simply print up one sheet for each week then bind them together or keep them in a three ring binder.

 

However, here’s how I use them:

Because many curricula come with pre-scheduled assignments in the front of the book I actually have my children use this as a daily completion chart.  I laminate mine, hang them up on the wall and then as they complete each subject they check off their work for the day.  I think this is a fantastic way to encourage them to take responsibility for completing their work, and it helps them to SEE what they have left to do for the day.

 

I created this planner to encourage children to keep track of their own schedules.

Not just because I’m a little lazy when it comes to planning, but because I want my children to start to learning planning and organizing skills for themselves. That is the goal right.  Little birds learning to fly on their own.

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Download From This Page: Weekly Homeschool Planner K-5

If you have younger children try our K-5th grade planner.  There are boy and girl versions, blank and pre-written ones as well. Instead of the notes section the younger planners include a weekly box for a sticker when their goals are completed.

 

Fourth of July Lapbook & Printables

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FourthPinAre you looking for a way to sneak in a little Summer learning?
Be sure you check out our Free Fourth of July Lapbook at Lapbook Lessons. 
The lapbook is available in easy download format and includes minibooks, shapebooks, matchbook facts, and more.
Children can learn WHY we celebrate the Fourth of July, and what it means to have true freedom in Christ.
Includes:
Independence Day Cover Sheet
Fourth of July Minibook
Firework Colors Flapbook
Fourth of July Vocabulary
Bible Verse Copywork
Freedom Shapebooks
Fourth of July Flagbook
Fourth of July Coloring Page
and more….
You can expand on learning with our free printables below:

Preschool Bible Printables on Christian Preschool Printables

Includes:
God Bless America Coloring Sheet
USA Flag with Bible Verse
God Bless America Star Craft
God Bless America Wreath

K-5 Bible Printables on BibleStoryPrintables.com

Includes:
God Bless America Coloring Page
American Flag Bible Verse Copywork
Patriotic Prayer Journal
God Bless the USA Bible Bookmarks

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Pledge of Allegiance Printables 

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Star Spangled Banner Visuals 

From Teacher Gifts on Little Blots of Faith
(You can get some fun goodies from the Dollar Tree and wrap them with these custom labels)

Includes:
God Bless America Lollipop Sleeves
God Bless America Pencil Flags

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Fourth of July File Folder Game on File Folder Fun

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Fourth of July Crafts & Activities on The Crafty Classroom

Includes:
American Flag Craft
Bald Eagle Balloon
Mayflower Craft
Mt. Rushmore Craft
Religious Freedom
Statue of Liberty
Symbolic Flag Craft
Tricorn Hat Craft

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Patriotic Coloring Pages (Assemble into a classroom quilt)

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There are other Patriotic Preschool Printables available here too.

Free Bible Notebooking Pages

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BibleNotebookingPin I’m so excited to release this set of Bible Notebooking Pages! I started this project years ago (2011 if we’re counting) when I needed VISUALS to use alongside our Mystery of History activities. While we also own a wonderful History Encyclopedia, filled with amazing photos and excerpts, I couldn’t help feeling that it would be great to have some photographs and such to use within our notebooking pages. Scouring the internet and adding them in one by one was how it started, and while it was great for building research skills it was SOOOOO time consuming. So I decided to make some visuals that included large colorful photographs as well as small areas for writing facts. Notebooking1

Now, this set doesn’t include every single event in Biblical or world history, but it does include many key events we compiled and arranged based on information gathered from a variety of resources. (see below) There are almost 100 pages covering Creation up to the Birth of Christ. We hope to add in some New Testament notebooking pages in the future (long term project) however the New Testament Timeline figures are already available here.

There is an optional Cover Page with Bible Verse:

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Many of the Bible History Pages include multiple images of story sequencing.

(Thanks to Distant Shores Media for the amazing Bible Images)

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Some pages include references to the lineage of Christ:

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Some of the pages include charts or maps:

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Some pages have interesting facts:

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Most of the pages have space to write in key facts

However, you may want more room so be sure to download these Blank Notebooking Pages too

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While binding your notebooking pages is pretty, I’ll suggest using a three ring notebook so you can add in extra pages easily. If you’d like to expand on a subject just add in one or two blank notebooking pages after your visual.

Circular Notebooking Pages

Square & Rectangle Notebooking Pages

 

And don’t forget to use our Free Bible Timeline Figures

alongside your notebooking journey!

BibleTimelineHeader2 Starting a Biblical timeline with your children is a great way to give them a historical foundation to back up their beliefs. I can tell you from personal experience that a lack of understanding leaves a child questioning who, what, why they are here. Even young children can learn that there is an everlasting creator, a beginning of time, a savior, and an end of time.

Looking to make History your Core for the year?

See below for our favorite History Resources:

Our Sources & Suggested Resources:

Illustrated Children’s Bible

Online Bible Timeline (free)

The Mystery of History

Nelson’s Complete Book of Bible Maps & Charts

Kingfisher History Encyclopedia (secular)

Secondary Resources:

Student Bible Atlas

Trail Guide to Bible Geography

Classical History Copywork

Artistic Pursuits

So what about you?

Are you planning on making a History Notebook or Timeline with your kiddos this year?

The Hidden Whiteboard Review

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ReviewHeaderWhiteboard2

The Hidden Whiteboard is officially hung in our homeschool classroom/dining room.

Click Here to read our full Review!

Take a peek at our Before and After Shot:

Before

After

Want to see how The Hidden Whiteboard works?

Click Here to read our full Review!

 

 

 

Preschool Printables Color Game

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RainbowPin

 

I’m so excited to share this game with you today, I think it’s super adorable and your kids are going to LOVE it!

It’s called Catch a Rainbow, and it can be played with up to eight players. (or an entire class if you print more color circles)

The printable game is available free on File Folder Fun and it couldn’t be simpler to set up.

First print and laminate your circles.

If you don’t have a laminator, I recommend using cardstock.

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Second cut out your playing circles.  We own this 1 1/2 inch circle punch, it’s just the right size for the games on File Folder Fun and it cuts through laminated paper with ease. Though I might be dulling my blade doing so, I’d much rather use the circle punch then hand cut all these little circles out.  What else can you use a circle punch for?  Think scrapbooking, confetti, gift tags on presents….ect.

 

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Finally, just turn all the cards over, or put them in a basket if you have little peekers and play!

Children take turns drawing a card and placing it on their board, first one to Catch a Rainbow wins!

Rainbow2

 

If you want to spice things up a bit you can write numbers on the back of the circles and children can roll a die to pick a card.

Even harder you can write small math equations on the back and children must solve or roll the answer before they choose it.

And in case you’re wondering what all the Brown, Black, Gray and White circles are for, check this out:

ColorWheelPin

 

Catch a Color Wheel!

This game can be played the same way and  is available for free on File Folder Fun as well!

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While your there be sure to check out all of our Free Circle Punch File Folder Games, they make set-up a breeze!

Find more Preschool File Folder Games

Find more Kindergarten File Folder Games

Preschool & Kindergarten Curriculum Giveaway

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It’s that time of the year….Curriculum Planning!

If you have a preschool or kindergartner this year, you’ll want to pay attention because today Blue Manor Academy is offering our readers a chance to win a giveaway package worth $79.98!!

Preschool-Book-Set

 

Manor Preschool eBook Set  Retail $39.99

Our Christian preschool curriculum will not only prepare your children for kindergarten, but will also lay a strong physical, intellectual, and spiritual foundation that will benefit them for the rest of their lives.  The best part is that our lessons require zero preparation and zero teaching experience.  Give your children an elite foundation and be amazed by the ripple effects.

This is the complete set: 23 individual books and an additional “how to” teaching manual. Blue Manor Academy takes Christian preschool education to the next level! Level One is uniquely designed for parents like you who want to give your preschoolers a tremendous head start.

Click Here for Included Books

 

Kindergarten-Learning-Set

Kindergarten Curriculum EBook Set  Retail $39.99

Our Christian kindergarten curriculum will not only prepare your children for first grade, but will also lay a strong physical, intellectual, and spiritual foundation that will benefit them for the rest of their lives.  The best part is that our lessons require zero preparation and zero teaching experience.  Give your children an elite foundation and be amazed by the ripple effects.  (Level 2 should be taught after Level 1 is complete, because Level 1 lays the foundation for Level 2.)

This is the complete Kindergarten Book Set: 23 individual books and an additional “how to” teaching manual. Blue Manor Academy takes Christian early education to the next level! Level Two is uniquely designed for parents like you who want to give your young ones a tremendous head start.

Click Here for included Books

 

Blue Manor is graciously offering one winner BOTH the Preschool & Kindergarten Curriculum!

Plus because this is an eBook set, there are no shipping issues and anyone can enter to win:

 

GiveawayBanner

 

 

Reading

ReviewsIMages

Reading Eggs Review

Reading Eggs is an online reading program for children ages 3-13. When you join Reading Eggs you get access to two different levels of their program, Learning to Read, and Reading to Learn:

View Resource

Christian Light Review

Coming soon!

Reading Kingdom Review

The Reading Kingdom is an online subscription website that teaches children to read and write up to a third grade level. The program was developed by Dr. Marion Blank, and incorporates elements of phonics and whole language skills by introducing children to six different reading and writing skills:

View Resource

Math

ReviewsIMages

Teaching Textbooks Review

Top Pick! Review Coming Soon

Math U See Review

Top Pick! Review Coming Soon

Envision Math Review

Envision Math lessons start with review, new teaching, guided practice, independent practice, and then connections. Quizes, Reteaching, and algebra connections are offered throughout.

View Resource

CTC Math Review

CTC Math is a supplemental online math program for K-12. 1,367 animated and narrated math lessons (VIDEOS!!!) A bank of over 57,000 interactive questions Diagnostic tests Instant feedback to students and regular reporting to parents

View Resource

Aleks Review

ALEKS is a Web-based, artificially intelligent assessment and learning system. ALEKS uses adaptive questioning to quickly and accurately determine exactly what a student knows and doesn't know in a course. ALEKS then instructs the student on the topics she is most ready to learn.

View Resource

IXL Review

IXL is a K-12 online math program that aligns itself with common core state standards. Each grade is organized into subcategories making it easy to cover a specific topic with your child. While there are no pre-teaching exercises, there are explanations for children when they receive an incorrect answer.

View Resource

BIG IQ Kids Review

Big IQ Kids is a an online subscription service providing teachers and parents with customizable resources they can use as supplemental learning opportunities. There are different levels of subcription available, and subjects are offered separately as Math, Spelling, Vocabulary, U.S. States, Long & Short Vowels, and SAT Vocabulary Prep.

View Resource

Language

ReviewsIMages

Easter Cross Watercolor Craft

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Today we have an Easter Cross Watercolor Craft for children of all ages.

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Calvary Cross Watercolor Craft

 

What makes this easy and fun is that you can provide younger children with our printable template, making it easier for them to follow along.  Older children can start with a blank paper.

You start out with a little  white crayon in select areas:20140215_124311

And you finish up with an amazing watercolor of the cross on Calvary

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Click Here for the full Craft Tutorial

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Find More Easter Crafts & Printables Here

Stay Tuned or Subscribe for Updates!

Easter Bible Verse Cards for Kids

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BibleVerseEaster

Every year we try to add new and useful printables to our Easter Crafts Page.

This year we’ve added some colorful Bible Verse Cards for Kids!

EggVerse2EggVerse1EggVersePocket

This set features 10 different verse cards.

Each card is a colorful egg shape and features a key scripture pertaining to the resurrection of Christ.

We’ve even included a printable pocket with a verse checklist you use use to track progress.

This would be a great set to use with your own Easter Curriculum.

Print our Easter Bible Verse Cards From Here

Find More Holiday Bible Verse Card Sets Here

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Looking for more Easter Ideas?

Check out our HUGE Easter Freebies List &

Hop over to our latest Subscriber Newsletter,

it’s filled with freebies & links to our most popular resources!

Also, be sure you check out Amanda’s latest eBook A Sense of the Resurrection,

this is a great way to make meaningful memories with your family this season!

Stay tuned for more!

Editable File Folder Game

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File folder games are a great way to add a little kick to your classroom!

We have an entire website dedicated to free file folder games you can print and play with your kiddos.  There are all sorts of games separated by age and subject, but just in case you can’t find the exact game you’re looking for, we decided to make an editable game board you can customize to your liking:

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With this game you can edit the squares around the board, and the question cards.  This is a great way to review any subject that needs a little jazzing up.

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Tips & Ideas:

 Use a die that only has numbers up to 3.

Sneak in a little math by using two dice and subtracting the smaller from the larger to get the number to move.

Game cards have room to write in the answers upside down.

Play so that children answer a question first, then roll and move if they are correct.

Siggy

Shamrock Poetry Printables

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ShamrockGraphic

 

St. Patrick’s day is coming soon, and we’ve got a great freebie for your kiddos!

ShamrockConcrete

This is a concrete poetry template in the shape of a shamrock.  Children follow the brainstorming and  instruction sheet, then compose and write their poem around the shamrock.

Shamrock Template

Concrete Poetry Instructions

 

If your kiddos have fun with this one be sure to check out our complete Poetry Pack in our eStore!

 

 

 

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Siggy