When most people think of Oscar Mayer an image of the wienermobile or hot dogs come to mind. You might even start singing the “Oh I Wish I Was” jingle. To be honest a year ago when I went to Madison to meet the folks at OM I didn’t really get what I could do with this long term. But here I am a year and a half later in love with their brand. To their credit, this is social media with bloggers done well.

The Oscar Mayer brand is big on education and community programs. That is why I keep coming back and supporting them. Sure, I love hot dogs and football and deli slices and parties but the reason I continue to put my name out there for them is that they constantly are running programs that fit well with the type of blogger I want to be. Someone who has something fun to say and gives back at the same time.

This is the time of year that Lunchables runs their back to school promos and this year they have brought back the awesome Lunch Notes Promise that you all helped me with last year. But they also added  a new campaign called Created By You. They’re asking kids to submit their big idea for a movie, song or video game for a chance to work with a pro, like Kevin Jonas of the Jonas Brothers band, to bring it to life. Since we all know my little guy is hysterically creative this is a perfect fit  for him.

As part of the campaign I am hosting an awesome Created By You party for some of my local friends. If you live near me expect an invite soon. If your kiddo is creative, have them submit their ideas online and maybe they will get a cool chance to make it come true.

Here are all the details straight from Lunchables:

Q: What is the CBY contest?

A: We want to help kids realize their creative dreams! We’re asking kids to tell us their big idea for a movie, song or video game for a chance to work with a pro, like Kevin Jonas of the Jonas Brothers band, to bring it to life. The kids at your party can learn more and enter the Created by You contest by visiting Lunchables.com and clicking the “Created By You” icon.

Q: Who can enter?

A: The contest is open to residents of the 50 United States and D.C., 6 to 13 years of age as of August 2, 2010. To enter the Created by You contest, by visit Lunchables.com and click the “Created By You” icon.

Q: What are the prizes?

A: The three Grand Prizes winners (one per entry category) will win a Trip for up to three people to meet with  the professional mentor in their category. The  winners will also see their idea come to live as  either a Movie, Song or Video Game in 2011.  Full rules can be found at Lunchables.com

Q: What is the entry period?

A: Kids can enter beginning at 12:01 am ET on August 2, 2010 through 11:59 pm ET April 31, 2011.

Q: What is the website people can go to enter?

A: To enter the Created by You contest, by visit Lunchables.com and click the “Created By You” icon.

*Yes, this is the disclosure part: I have an ongoing blogger relationship with Oscar Mayer. I am compensated in a variety of ways for my involvement in their campaigns.

I always like to let you all know when this event is coming up. We went to the Disney Youth Education Classes the first year this organization held this event. Sadly, we haven’t been able to make it back since but I hear it just gets better every year. Plan to go if you can. It is really well worth it!

The committee has arranged special workshops for home educated students during the rally week in the area of instrumental, vocal, dance, and theater. All classes are taught by Disney professionals and the classes are customized for our attendees. Please check out the various workshops and the audition guidelines on our website and apply TODAY:

http://www.notbacktoschooldays.com/education/workshops.htm

JUST THREE DAYS LEFT TO SAVE – The audition deadline for the Disney Performing Arts workshops has been extended to APRIL 15TH – so get your group or homeschool individual on video and send the video (do NOT send a link to youtube) to the following email address for immediate consideration:
talent@notbacktoschooldays.com

All are invited to attend the Official 4th Annual Not Back to School Days Rally and Home Education Conference – September 8-11, at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California. Home education is truly a cause for celebration, and the Disneyland Resort is a great place to celebrate!

EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION PRICING WILL END April 15th. Classes fill up fast, so get registered today! Late registrations will be accepted, but are based on availability.

You must be a registered attendee to take advantage of the group rates on park hoppers, food and concessions at the rally, dances and group activities, to participate in conference workshops, or take part in the outstanding field trip classes taught right inside the theme parks. From physics to art, math to history, and even performing arts like dance, vocal, instrumental, and theater classes – kids and parents of all ages can get set for a week long field trip of a lifetime. You are not required to stay at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel but you must be a registered attendee to take advantage of the group rate for the hotel.

Visit our website today for more information, www.notbacktoschooldays.com and for additional questions you will find quick links on the left side navigator bar to download the complete info packet, sign up for newsletter updates, join our Facebook fan page, and read the discussion boards. Be sure to sign up for at least one of these venues to keep up with the latest announcements – some offers are gone rather quickly.

This rally and conference is a national event – open to ALL home educators, including your extended family. It is an excellent way to show the fruits of homeschooling to anyone so bring those inquisitive or skeptical friends. Homeschool group leaders contact us for special discounts on 15 or more families.

Come and make the Official Not Back to School Days Rally part of your homeschool tradition!
Many blessings to your family,
2010 Not Back to School Days Committee
928-542-1387
www.notbacktoschooldays.com

I was very happy to connect with Beth and more than pleased to have her cover this topic here. I know I have participated in more than a few “what are you doing” conversations in my parenting time. For a homeschool mom I sure haven’t been writing much on the subject lately. I have, however, been noodling some posts I want to write soon on all the different ideologies and philosophies that have phased in and out of my kids education. But until the noodles cook into a good post, read what Beth has to say on the pressure us moms (and dads) can go through.

Beth, a home school mom and teacher, lives with her adorable son and yummy chef husband on Johns Island, SC. She loves her life and sharing her time and energy with parents and kids as they home school. She currently has two blogs, www.classesbybeth.blogspot.com (home school) and Every Spiritual Blessing at www.bethhempton.blogspot.com where she currently features excerpts from her upcoming book.

Peer Pressure in Home Schooling – I Mean…Really?

How many homeschool moms does it take to choose curriculum for one child?

One, but only after she has surveyed at least a dozen other moms for their opinions!

Peer pressure runs rampant in home school circles even though it is only discussed in hushed tones and whispers because we really don’t want to admit it exists. However, we have a responsibility to expose it for what it is! I’m not referring to peer pressure among our teens and students. I’m concerned about the peer pressure among our moms!

All joking aside, I first began to realize that that peer pressure existed when I started attending home school support group meetings over a decade ago. Having previously taught in a private school, it took me by surprise to discover that home school moms aren’t overly confident. They are bold in standing up to the government and school boards, unsupportive family members and friends, but struggle with making serious decisions for their home schools and their children without seeking out their peers. In some situations, it seemed that even spouses were considered less influential than other home school moms!  Consider the following:

• Reasons for home schooling – A few years ago, one of our local private schools lost a significant number of families to home schooling. When I spoke with some of the moms, I discovered that at least a portion of them had decided to home school because other families were taking that route in response to a disagreement with the school headmaster. At that time, I wondered how many would home school for more than a year. By the next year, several of thsoe families returned to the school because they didn’t realize what they were getting into with home schooling. They didn’t really comprehend the absolute commitment required! Reasons for home schooling need to be personally grounded within your family. It is definitely not the time to try to keep up with the Jones’!
• Number of children – As a mother of two, I found myself explaining to other moms that I had tried for more children, but God chose to give me two. With so many friends having four or more children, I often felt like that girl who just couldn’t afford the latest fashions. I wanted to be belong, but I really couldn’t make myself like the other moms. I have spoken to other moms with one or two children, and while there are more smaller home school families today, sometimes you feel pressured into a having a larger family or feel less than perfect if you don’t.
• Curriculum – I have many home school friends with shelves and shelves of curriculum. Every year, they seem to second guess what they previously used. As well, if one mom mentions that she has experienced success with a particular curriculum, ten other moms run out to purchase it. I remember my first curriculum convention in Dallas, Texas. I had taught school for over eight years and I felt extraordinarily overwhelmed by all of the options. I couldn’t imagine how moms without any education experience waded through all of the choices!  I solved this issue for my family by writing my own curriculum. For some families, it may not be a particular curriculum, but rather a teaching philosophy such as unschooling or the Charlotte Mason method. I belong to several small groups online designed for those who follow CM methods. Early on, I noticed that many of the moms really didn’t understand CM or what she espoused, but like the “idea” of CM because they had friends in the small group. For some, it could lead to a better understanding, but for others, the time might be better spent.
• Scheduling – As a mom who is considered experienced, I often get asked about how we schedule our day. This question comes up every year in our support group and I am always surprised that families struggle with how to schedule their school day. I wonder how they scheduled their lives before home schooling. Did they ask their neighbors or family members when they ate meals, bathed, did yard work etc? I doubt it! My advice when moms ask is to design a schedule that fits your family’s values and lifestyle. Many home school families have unique situations like a parent that works at night or a parent with a chronic illness. No single schedule works for everyone and trying to adapt your family to the majority may only cause frustration.
• Outside activities – You have probably laughed when people ask about your children being socialized. If anything, it seems like homeschoolers socialize in relevant ways more than most kids. Our kids don’t just go to outside classes together, they do service projects, athletics, holiday parties, field trips and more! Since they don’t spend all day with their friends, this time together is even more valued. However, the peer pressure issue bubbles up when moms start talking about what their children do outside of home schooling. So many moms feel pressured to not allow their children to miss out on any experience. I often hear moms complain about schooling in the car because they have so many activities and classes for their children. I teach classes in literature, history and writing. While I encourage parents who need my expertise to put their children in my classes, I don’t think that my classes are for every child. I have noted that in the past, I have greater enrollment among moms who know one another and discuss my courses. On the surface, that sounds wonderful, but the key to all of it is the motivation behind attending my courses. I’ve had parents want to enroll students when they’ve already had the subject matter in another way simply because other friends have enrolled their children. Over-scheduling our children because other families do so ultimately results in frustration and fatigue for both you and your children.

Please don’t get me wrong…I believe that supporting one another through home schooling makes so much sense. There’s a great deal of anxiety related to being solely responsible for our children, but faith in the fact that we were meant to teach our children and no one else could love them more should be our primary focus!

Have you had times when you felt pressured to do certain things or behave in a certain way as a home school parent? Or do you think I’m completely off base? I’d love to hear from you either way!

I love my iPhone. From it I can rule my kingdom (or at least pretend to) but apps on my phone have been really good for my kids as well. I have loaded a ton in the last two years and here are the 5 we happen to love the most right now. The really great thing about this is that you can squeeze a little learning time into the 5 minutes you are waiting here and there.

1. Dinosaurs-The American Museum of Natural History Collections: This starts out as a mosiac of a t-rex which breaks down into thousands of gorgeous photos of dinosaurs. This is a really extensive collection and I find the boys hopping around from one thing to another on it. Best part is ITS FREE!
2. iKnow Math Dojo-my kids have been playing this on iKnowThat.com for a really long time so it was a natural app to get when it came out. Kids can practice their math facts (there are an addition-subtraction and multiplication-division versions) by helping Leon the turtle practice his karate kicking skills. The app works just like the online game and we have been pleased with its performance. $1.99.
3. b&n eReader-I may be partial to this one because anything we buy for the Nook can be transferred over to my sons iPhone. Saves me a ton of time when something comes up on his K12 reading list. No more “but mom I am waiting for you to go get the book” and since he is so addicted to his phone he can never tell me that he doesn’t have a book to read. The app is free, the book downloads are not.
4. Space Images-This free app comes from NASA. Like Dinosaurs, the photos are amazing. You can view all the latest images sent from the JPL spacecraft. They have some very cool images that I have not seen anywhere else.
5. Rush Hour-This is the same puzzle game that many of us (or our kids) played when they were younger except you don’t have to put up with all the lost cars that come with the plastic version Strangely addicting little puzzle game that takes the plastic version to new levels. Gives hints and strategies with it. $.99

Bonus: This one is not educational. It is just bizarrely fun and addicting. The whole object is to make the Doodle Jump. That’s it. Just make him keep bouncing up. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

What about you? What are your favorite educational apps? What am I missing?

PS….My friend, Lori, wrote a post on Fun Websites To Enhance Your Child’s Learning so if you don’t have an iPhone (or even if you do) head over there and find some other cool resources. She is a new blogger so give her some love

As part of the Lunch, Roar & Score Sweepstakes for Lunchables Lunch Combinations I will have the chance to interview Jeff Corwin Wednesday afternoon. I know how much homeschool kids (and moms) love Corwin Quest on Animal Planet so what I would like to do is ask the kids for their questions!

Have your kids leave me their questions in the comments area and I will ask Jeff as many as I have time for. The interview is being taped so check back on Friday to see what his answers are!

As part of this campaign kids can also enter the Lunchables Animal Planet Sweepstakes!

Through May 3, 2010, kids can enter for a chance to win an all-expenses-paid trip to Boston with their family where they‘ll spend three days with Jeff Corwin, learning about their favorite animals. Entering is easy – simply log onto www.lunchables.com and answer an animal-themed trivia question. Ten lucky winners and their families will get a behind-the-scenes tour of the New England Aquarium and Franklin Park Zoo as well as an exclusive welcome dinner with Jeff Corwin.

Oh my! I am such a slacker! A few weeks ago (ok, maybe more than a few) I received another AWESOME package from Steve Spangler Science full of goodies from their holiday gift guide.

Here is what was in my box when I opened it:

Galileo Thermometer & Barometer

I absolutely, positively love this. We have it set up in the living room. It came with great instructions on how to set it up. The kids are having a lot of fun comparing this to the digital weather station we have. I was really excited about it because we have long called Carter our little barometer as the weather change often sets off a shunt headache for him. We are using this to compare the changes with his headaches. Plus, it just looks so cool!

Mentos Geyser Tube

Steve also sent me over the new depth charge for the mentos geyser as well as the traditional release contraption he first came out with. We had a lot of fun with both but prefer the new depth charge one. It essentially sinks the mentos to the bottom for the explosion to start.

Air Burst Rockets

Incredibly high shooting rocket. It can fly 600 feet in the air. Need I say more? If there is a more perfect toy for boys, I don’t what it would be. We had to take it to the park around the corner. I didn’t get video of my kiddos with it but this one from the boys at Steve’s office is pretty amazing:

Boom Splat Kablooey – Klutz Book

This one is under the tree. Shhhh…….

Disclosure: As noted Steve Spangler Science provided me with these products to review at no charge. I do truly, truly love Steve Spangler Science which is why I write about them as I often as I do:)

OK, I admit that I am a total science geek. Kid science though. Guess that explains the whole stint as a 4th grade science teacher So, I was beyond geeked when I found out that one of my twitter pals @colosciencemom worked for Steve Spangler Science. I was even more geeked when Steve and Susan asked me to come in and talk homeschool science with them last week.

I tried to play it cool but come on, the offices are so freakin’ fun I was like a kid in a candy shop. I mean where else can you go to work, get paid to blow things up, mail mannequin body parts to people for fun and decorate your space like this?

Steve is known as a “teacher’s teacher” and we had a very interesting conversation about teaching homeschool parents to be “cluster leaders”. Building off the theory that by teaching teachers and parents HOW TO TEACH science we are able to give our kids a much better experience, we brainstormed how best to reach out into the homeschool world. Steve had a great point that sometimes we do these really great little science tricks with the kids but they don’t really walk away with the lesson of how to use the scientific method- how to be curious about their world, test their hypothesis, learn that failing and retrying is not only OK but sometimes preferred.

Steve gave me some awesome experiments to do with the boys. We just did Jelly Marbles and Water Cubes and really worked through the scientific method with them. I will be posting that soon along with lots more in my homeschool science section.

One of the things I really like about Steve Spangler is that he truly loves what he does and is passionate about reaching the next generation of scientists.   His teacher training classes look amazing and are pretty break even for them. Apparently you leave with so many take home items. But I wonder even at a break even price, would YOU go to a one day bootcamp for around $200? I probably would, but am I in the minority here? What do you think? and did you know that you can sign up to get an email for the experiment of the week which USUALLY is stuff that you have in the house? Pretty cool, free way to get some fun science in your week.

Steve also asked me about the money we get from the state for homeschooling. I know that Nevada did not give any funds directly to parents and I am pretty sure that Colorado does not either (PLEASE correct me if I am wrong and tell me how to get it). Does your state? If they do, what do you spend it on?

I really want to know what you think so lets get the dialogue rolling!

Looking for a homeschool convention? There are some fun homeschool and unschool conventions that I have heard about coming up. If you have any others to share, leave the information in a comment. Hope you get to go to at least one this year!

Good Vibrations Unschooling Conference

SEPTEMBER 10-13, 2009 – SAN DIEGO, CA

Have several friends making it to this one. I would have loved to go but choose the Disney one.

Read more about this great convention at Good Vibrations Unschooling Conference. Be registered by August 14!

Not near California? Here is another great unschooling conference:

Unschoolers Winter Waterpark Gathering in Ohio

Where can you surf indoors, play carnival games, and chat with John Taylor Gatto all in the same day?

At the 3rd Annual Unschoolers Winter Waterpark Gathering in Ohio, that’s where!

February 8-12, 2010 Kalahari Indoor Waterpark Resort in Sandusky, Ohio

Registration is Open! Visit our website at http://www.ugo.unschoolgathering.com/

Fun abounds in this week-long gathering of unschoolers at the world’s largest indoor waterpark!  Our 2010 UWWG is bigger and better than last year – we’ve doubled the size of the conference area.  More room for Funshops, Talks and Special Events!

And…  guess what?

NO Registration or Conference Fees!

That’s right – all you pay for is your room registration – at our group’s super discounted room rates – and your family receives a week of waterpark fun and unschooling camaraderie!

In addition to John Taylor Gatto, this year’s UWWG features some of the best unschooling voices around:

·        Ben & Kelly Lovejoy
·        Gail & Broc Higgins
·        Dayna Martin
·        Heather Burditt & T.J. Phillips
·        And more

Stay in Touch and Learn More by joining our yahoo discussion group at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/UWWG/join.

Ask questions, share plans, get excited!

2009 Getaway Stone Mountain Georgia

The School’s Out Forever Homeschool Getaway

October 8-11, 2009

Stone Mountain Park, Atlanta Georgia

We invite all homeschoolers, who have left school and the idea of school in the past, to join us for an exciting, family supported getaway at the beautiful Stone Mountain Park, in Atlanta Georgia.  Are you and your family moving forward to create a new path?  Come join us and others on this same journey.

and last but not least the one we are making it to this year:

Disneyland Homeschool Convention in Sept

This is in conjunction with Disney Youth Education Series classes. Click the link for more info.

Wherever you choose to go, just GO! Get some support, make new friends and enjoy your homeschooling freedom!

Just booked us! WOOHOO! So excited to be staying at the Grand California. I have ALWAYS wanted to. We went to this two years ago and it was by far one of our favorite homeschool experiences ever. This is the last year they plan to organize it so go if you can! My kids LOVED taking classes from the Disney staff!

Join thousands of homeschoolers at the Not Back to School Days Rally and Conference as we celebrate our freedom to homeschool, network with new friends, and be examples for the growth of homeschooling! This conference will be held September 14-17, 2009 at Disneyland in Anaheim, California.

WHAT IS THIS?

FIELD TRIP: Kids ages 8 and up can take a Y.E.S. (Youth in Education Series) class, taught in the theme parks by Disney staff. These can only be reserved in advance through a booked group, no walk up registrations for YES classes.

CONFERENCE: Exhibit hall and workshops – a carefully selected program, with something for everyone. Walk up registrations welcome, advance registration appreciated.

RALLY: Celebrate our freedom to educate our children as we feel best. Cheer with special guests who are homeschoolers and work hard to preserve your rights.

NETWORK: This is a priority with our organizers, so expect to meet new friends as you interact in scheduled group activities. Talent show, homecoming dance, more.

VACATION: You won’t find a less expensive trip to Disneyland, from the park hoppers to the hotel rooms, seriously. Your family will thank you over and over again. Send them off to the theme parks, while you soak up some conference action – it’s a win, win solution to past dilemmas of what to do with the kids. Bring the skeptical inlaws – they will get a first hand glimpse of the benefits of homeschooling.

There is so much to do, just download the updated complete conference packet and see for yourself – most of your questions can be answered in the packet: www.notbacktoschooldays.com

Walk up rates are now in effect, but we have added more vendors and more classes, so for those who have procrastinated, here’s a 5-day coupon to save 50% on your conference passes – put in code LATE3 at the bottom of the first page of registration. The coupon will expire on July 24th.

Membership in the sponsoring organization is not required to attend this conference, it is open to all home educators, and especially inquisitive and skeptical inlaws and neighbors. Bring them and show the real fruits of freedom in education!

Hope to see you!
Contact (not me!): Dianne McLean
fieldtrips@sw-home-edu.com

We just got back from watching this as a family. We don’t go to the movies much anymore because of the cost but with the long weekend, we went as a special treat. All of us are big fans of the first one. It is one of those movies that we could watch over and over again. There is just something that appeals to all of us. For me, it is the historical characters that come to life for the kids. Now, I am not saying that this movie is incredibly historically accurate. What I am saying is that anytime my kids think of Easter Island, they know right away what the statues look like (and of course say, “You bring me gum gum, dumb dumb?). But, nonetheless they know what Easter Island is. The first movie brought to life Christopher Columbus, Attila the Hun, and a host of other historical figures. I wish that I had taken some time prior to going today though to do some research on the historical figures in Battle of the Smithsonian.

Some were obvious and needed no introduction to the kids, Abraham Lincoln, Albert Einstein, and Amelia Earhart. But there were some people and objects that if the kids would have more background information on it might have added to their enjoyment.

Below is a list of what I wish I would have pre-taught so that maybe you can be more prepared than me:

The Thinker by Rodin- the boys have been doing this little “UH, UH, Fire Power” all week (think gun show with the arms). It comes from a part in the movie when The Thinker gets up and does a ‘gun show’. They probably would have understood the sarcasm of The Thinker being portrayed as a dumb jock if they knew more about the subject.

Tuskegee Airmen-Surprisingly my oldest was able to tell us all about them. He learned about them on a late night history channel show. Who says letting your kids stay up and watch tv is a bad thing?

General Custer-specifically on him you want your kids to understand his Last Stand and why he may not have made the wisest battle decisions. The movie does a bit of spoofing on this and there is a part where he talks about his ‘big mistake’.

I am all about finding those teachable moments and while this movie probably won’t win any Oscars, it is a great way to introduce the kids to some historical characters. With a little bit of knowledge from the above list, you may provide them with a frame of reference to make it all that more enjoyable.

I am sure that I probably left out quite a few characters so if you think of any, leave me a comment and I will try to add them.

*Most pictures in this post came from Wikipedia and are common use.