Vintage Homeschool Moms Felice Gerwitz

Summer Fun On A Shoestring Budget ~ Episode 527

The summer is in full swing, and you have weeks left before school starts. How do you instill summer fun in the remaining months? What can you do to keep the children from fighting or saying those dreaded words, "I'm bored!" In this podcast, veteran homeschool mom, mom of five, and grandmother of nine will share tried-and-true activities to keep the kids learning, mostly without them knowing!



Visit the MediaAngels.com website for fun ideas and planners you can print and use.



So, it's summer or some other time when the children are finding it difficult to use their time wisely. Maybe you are similar-minded and feel that children should not be on a tablet, computer, or television most of the day. What do you do when they've exhausted their normal activities and find they'd rather bother each other than find something else to do? This is the time I pull out the activities I save for the proverbial "rainy day," even if the sun is shining brightly. These activities tend to keep the children occupied and having fun.



Summer is a time to learn a new skill, my children learned to ride bikes in the summer. Or, start a new hobby or sport. Maybe you've wanted to teach your children about the explorers or classical music. I wanted to do a classical music study around Christmas and never found time, but I switched it to the summer, and it was so much fun. Even if the children never loved classical music the way I do, they enjoyed learning about the composers and learned how to identify different musical instruments in an orchestra. In the winter months, we attended a concert, and they enjoyed it because they understood a little about compositions and the instruments.



I group my activities into different categories. Ones that don't take many supplies, just brain power, and others that do take supplies that I try to have on hand. Either way, the results are the same. Mom is happy, and the kids are happier! I break down my list into Indoor and Outdoor Activities and then further break down into the following groups: few or no supplies, some supplies, and many supplies.



Here is a free summer printable for you with ideas: HERE

Indoor Activities for Summer Fun:

Few or No Supplies:



* Scavenger hunt

* Word Cross or Activity Pages (try our new planners just for kids - there are pages you can use for this activity)

* Puzzle pages

* Make your own puzzle



Some Supplies:



* Coloring pages

* Drawing with pencils, colored pencils, or markers

* Paper airplanes

* Make a fort with sheets

* Read

* Write a story (story starters)



Many supplies:



* Arts and Crafts

* Painting

* Kite Making

* Water balloons

* Balloon crafts

* Homemade rockets



Outdoor Activities For Summer Fun:

Few or No Supplies:



* Nature walk, see and identify

* Bird watching

* Wind activities

* Collect (rocks, shells, etc.)

* Races / Tag / Hopscotch, etc.



Some Supplies:



* Run through sprinklers, slip, and side, or swim

* Fly kites

* Bug catchers

* Make a fort with sheets

* Make giant bubbles



Many supplies:



* Cook with the sun

* Contests: beach ball (how long can you keep it up?) timer

* Create a map that starts with your yard, neighborhood, etc.

* Map the grocery store (park, etc.) without going,

50 Summer Projects For Kids – Episode 431

There are so many fun ideas for summer, but what about 50 summer projects for kids? Summertime is a chance to learn new things, explore and have a great time, but it can also be easily wasted doing nothing. Here is a list of ideas to get you started.

Welcome to this Just for Kids episode!

Here is a list of my 50 top ideas for kids and they are not in any particular order, but it gives you a starting place to come up with ideas of your own. For example, anyone can read one book, but what about an entire series? Sure, this may take time if you are reading something like the Hardy Boys or Nancy Drew. But, it will take less time if you are reading Little House on the Prairie. Even if the book is for younger kids take a chance, especially if you have not read the series before.



* Read a series of books.

* Start a business. Think of things you’d like to do.

* Manage money. See how much you can save.

* Learn to cook, bake or create new recipes.

* Learn a new skill.

* Learn a new sport.

* Learn to play a musical instrument.

* Learn a new language.

* Create an obstacle course.

* Create something that flies.

* Make something out of recyclables.

* Learn to draw.

* Write with your non-dominant hand.

* Make a list of things you’d like to collect and start a collection.

* Make a list of movies you’ve watched and the ones you want to watch.

* Make a list of books you have read and the ones you want to read.

* Make a new friend.

* Help a neighbor or friend.

* Each day say something nice to each member of your family.

* Start a new habit, like fixing your bed.

* Plan a trip for the family.

* Plan a family event, like a game night.

* Plan an entire month of fun activities. These can be simple.

* Stage a play. Write, and produce it for others to act.

* Write a short story.

* Create a podcast. What would your show be about?

* Create a scavenger hunt.

* Learn about geocaching.

* Go on a treasure hunt.

* Organize pictures. On a phone, or computer.

* Learn to take good pictures.

* Learn to sew a button.

* Write an mail a letter to a relative or a friend.

* Learn to write a thank-you card.

* Jobs – what do you think would be fun to have as a job.

* Build something.

* Create a fort.

* Learn first aid.

* Create a list of rules for different things.

* Play a game using a different set of rules.

* Create something new. Think about this.

* Create an exercise routine.

* Learn to eat healthy.

* Grow something from a seed.

* Start a garden.

* Create a challenge with someone in your family.

* Learn to play chess – or another game you don’t know.

* Learn a new craft.

* Create a kite.



As you can see some of these fun projects can take some time and others can be done easily. If you like some of these ideas, make a plan on when you will start to do them and write them in your calendar. Learning to set deadlines and goals is an important part of learning to accomplish and get things done! This also helps us to be creative and figure out ways to make things work. I hope one or many of this ideas help you.



You might also like these Rainy Day Summertime Activities.

EverydayPeacemaker

Are you a peacemaker? Recently I've been convicted that I need to aim toward that goal, in a focused way. As parents it is not always easy to have peace or to facilitate peace among our children or even our spouse. In this podcast, we explore the elements of peacemaking and show your children through examples how to demonstrate this gift with others.

Are You A Peacemaker?

As a parent, you will more than likely find some portion of your day spent keeping children from fighting or keeping the peace between your child and spouse. If you have a large family, you are definitely in this role whether you want to be or not. I never considered myself a peacemaker, especially with two younger siblings. They were seven and eight years younger than me, and my role was firmly entrenched. I thought I was the boss. I didn't have an opportunity to babysit for other families since my parents had a built-in babysitter. But, I didn't mind. I realized later that I was in the role of peacemaker because I kept the two brothers (only thirteen months apart) from fighting.



We all strive for peace in our homes, it makes it so much easier to manage our household when our children get along. We find that our days go so much better and we can actually accomplish much! In order for this to happen, we must have cooperation and an understanding that can be forged, especially when the children understand the consequences. Before I deliver into specifics, I wanted to share with you what a quick search turned up.



If you search for the definition of a peacemaker, you will be disappointed with the results of an AI-generated search. AI, as we know, lacks heart, and here is an excerpt of what I found.



THIS IS AI-GENERATED ONLINE  - Read bits of it aloud and comment. 



"A peacemaker in your family is often the person who takes on the role of mediator, intermediary, and mediator to pacify those who are irritable or angry. This role is often assigned to them by their parents or caregivers when they were young, and it can be a heavy burden to carry. The peacemaker’s job is to keep the peace by smoothing out differences and avoiding conflict, often at the expense of their own needs and desires."



(This was AI-Generated online.) Do your own search, does it lack heart? Let me continue reading, see if you agree or disagree with these statements: (FIRST READ then comment).



Characteristics of a Peacemaker



* They are often drawn into complaints of tension with other family members



I don't think any of us are drawn into complaints. I do believe we set the record straight, and either we allow our children to figure out a beneficial solution or we help them in some way.



* They may have a hard time saying no or setting boundaries



That is not true - if you are a peacemaker, you do set boundaries - otherwise, chaos would ensue - if there is no peace!



* They may prioritize others’ needs over their own



Umm - yes, this applies to all parents. By definition, a good parent is selfless - not to the detriment of the child (in other words, we don't let them act horribly), but we do many things we'd rather not like get up in the night, to care for our children when they are hurt or sick, cook, clean, you know, parent!



* They may struggle with anger or assertiveness



That is rich! Because you are a peacemaker you are angry? Assertive - yes, I can see this, but angry. How can peace and anger co-exist? Don't you love AI?



* They may feel responsible for others’ emotions and well-being



This one is not as much of a stretch. I think we sometimes fail at parenting because we want everyone happy and sometim...

Science Labs on a Shoestring Budget

Want to do science at home? Tried and true science labs are finally easy to do at home. With labs on a shoe-string budget, you will find the information you need to stock your science lab at home.

What is contained in a tried and true science lab?

All purpose science kit.



Biology Kit



Chemistry Kit



Physics Kit



Tips on keeping all of your materials organized.



Where to purchase "real" science equipment.



Science labs depend on good equipment but also a good curriculum. This book has hundreds of recommended books and many are available in libraries.

Tried and true lab sheets!

An added bonus to this book contains blank science experiment sheets - we've used these over the years with our children and hundreds of children have used them in science labs I've hosted. These lab sheets will keep the kid's notes organized and are great for science lab notebooks.



Author and publisher, Felice Gerwitz of Media Angels, Inc. will discuss tried and true science labs to incorporate science labs within the home - this presentation is taken from her book, Teaching Science and Having Fun.



 



 



 



 



 



 

What are the time savers that can help you each day? How do you implement them in a life that is already overflowing with things to do, and people to see? Every mom has her best-kept secrets on productivity and getting things done, and in this podcast, Felice Gerwitz shares her top ten with you.

Top Ten Time Savers ~ Episode 524

We all need to save time each day, and I have learned the hard way that making the time to get organized needs to become a priority and not an afterthought. This actually came to me at homeschool conferences. And, it was thanks to people like you, who share your hearts with conference speakers, that I was able to reflect on my own life. One of the most enjoyable parts of speaking over the years at the conference was the people I met and how much I learned from all of you. Your insights and experiences have been invaluable in shaping my understanding of productivity. Oftentimes it was to take a closer look at my life and actually get it as together as people seemed to think that I had my life! I mean, to get to speak at a conference, you have to know what you are talking about, right?



Sure. On topics of teaching science, implementing hands-on teaching methods in your homeschool, creating winning science fair projects, writing and publishing books, and wait for it..."Getting Things Done" in your homeschool!

Questions I was typically asked at homeschool conferences:

"How did you have time to write books and homeschool?" My answer? I made the time.



Another asked, "How do you do so much?" My answer? "I do many things, but not all of them well."



or my favorite, "When I grow up I want to be like you." (I smiled and thought -- is she saying I'm old?)

Time Savers That Help!



* Mega Lists

* Organizational Hacks



Okay, all kidding aside, what are some time savers that help? I have a list that I will share and then explain. The list contains things to help you now with time saving, but really, it goes deeper. It is a matter of training yourself to compete in this world of disorder and distraction and come out on top (or at least in the top ten)!

Top Ten Time Savers:



* Saying no.

* Putting things in their place. Finding your things a place if they don't have one. (Keys, books, etc.)

* Do it now.

* Write it on a mega list. (electronic - Evernote - or Notes on Mac)

* Child discipline

* Avoid distractions.

* No phone conversations/ texts

* Errands/ appointments on one day

* Shop online

* Get refreshed



Number One: Saying No! 



Moms, quit volunteering. I know it is fun, it makes us feel productive, but it is a time suck. Maybe do it for one year, but not consistently. People will take advantage of you, and I learned that it was better to pour the time and effort into my own family rather than work myself to the bone and ignore my husband and kids because I had to prepare 42 cupcakes for co-op and plan a lesson because otherwise it would not get done. There is a season for volunteering, it is not when you have little ones and no energy or time. Harsh? Maybe, but true.



Number Two: Putting Things In Their Place 



How many hours have you spent searching for things? Lost keys, books, toys, papers? Am I right? If you have a place to hang your keys (or leave them in a special pocket in your purse, a file for papers, a notebook for homeschool papers, a homeschool shelf, or a bin for books, it will save you a lifetime of searching.



Number Three: Do It Now

Fun Summer Project: Write a Book - Episode 432

Why write? It is fun, and what better fun summer project than to write a book. For some children, this may be just what they need to get their creative juices flowing and for others, it may be better to begin with baby steps. This is a just for kid’s episode but parents are always invited, so get your kids and let’s begin!



Did you know storytelling is something that people did long ago for entertainment? Now we have television, video, and streaming apps, but long ago the way that people enjoyed themselves was to tell stories of real events or to exaggerate things that happened to make them more exciting.

Tips to Write a Book

For example, instead of saying… I was walking down a path, and I got to the end, and I turned right. After that, I kept going until I got home. Boring right?



Well, someone might tell the story like this. As I was walking down a path I thought I heard something rustling in the bushes, in fact, the noise got closer and closer, so I hurried along trying not to make it obvious that I was afraid and really, really scared. There are often lions in the woods and I knew that it was close to their feeding time, and if I didn’t hurry I might be some lucky lion’s dinner. As I walked I looked back, and the rustling was still following me and it was getting faster.



So, I picked up my speed. And, yes – you guessed it the thing – whatever it was in the bushes was also picking up speed as well. I saw my house ahead and I ran as fast as I could as if my life depends on it. Because it did. As I opened the door and threw myself in, I heard a roar and a whoosh of air right behind me. Then a horrible scratching at my door. I looked out of my front window and there is was an angry, pacing lion who had just lost its tasty dinner. Me.



Which story would you want to read? The first one or the second one? I agree the second one sounds more exciting and both say the same thing just in different ways.

Writing Fiction

Fiction is very close in some ways to true events and if you can think of something that has happened to you, you may be able to turn it into a short story that people will enjoy. Because that is what storytelling is, it is a way to entertain or bring enjoyment to another person. And, who doesn’t want to make someone else happy?



I wrote three novels with my daughter and that is called being a co-author. We wrote different parts of a story and put the parts together. I wrote some scientific facts in the book and she wrote the fun, action-adventure, mystery part. We worked on it together and it was a wonderful experience. You can find the books on my website at MediaAngels.com and they are the Truth Seekers Mystery series.



How did we come up with this idea? I wanted novels that taught good information and my daughter wanted to write an action novel with kids that actually did something that wasn’t dumb. For example, if there is a noise in the basement no one is dumb enough to go down the dark stairs alone to check it out like in all the books where they get caught. I have a podcast where I interviewed my daughter and you can get more of an idea, here.



So – back to writing.



Let’s say you always wanted to write a book and just didn’t know how to begin. One of the best ways to begin is through brainstorming. If you can brainstorm an idea, it helps to work out the angle you want to take. My daughter and I did this with the Truth Seekers Mystery Series TM. So you can begin with a marker board or a large sheet of paper. You can draw a diagram, and start with a circle in the middle and write the word, story… then draw spokes around your primary topic or goal.  And add to these, it can have characters (and spokes off of that circle to name your main characters),