New Year's Resolutions: Personal

2014 is fast approaching and it is now time for New Year's Resolutions.  I was reflecting upon my 2013 goals I realize that I made two out of my six goals.  I JUST eliminated have a second and third job!!!  Now I am just down to one official paying job (Homeschooling does not count in this case- although it IS a job!!).  I was successful in having devotion every morning (although I did not read the Bible in a year as I wanted).

So, what will I strive for this year?

Goal #1- Single-mindedness.
Yes, I am married so I am not talking about single-mindedness in that sense.  I am referring to James 1:2-8 which states:

2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

 I am so indecisive and God is showing me that for Him to really work in my life I need to stop wavering and stop doubting God's power to do ANYTHING including allowing me to be a Homeschooling Mother. 

Goal #2- Read the Bible in One Year.

Yep, I am going to do it!  Don't get me wrong, I read the Bible all the time BUT never from cover to cover in ONE calendar year.  I have tried Chronological Order, I have tried Cover to Cover so now I am trying a different method that I found online: http://www.bible-reading.com/bible-plan.html

It is outlined so you read from a different section everyday:

1. Sunday- Epistles
2. Monday- Law
3. Tuesday- History
4. Wednesday- Psalms
5. Thursday- Poetry
6. Friday- Prophecy
7. Saturday- Gospels

Goal #3- Save $1,378.00

Goal #4- Weekly "Me" Appointment to relax.

Goal #5- Loose the pregnancy belly :)

Fortson Homeschool Club in Hampton GA

Fortson 4-H Center is excited to offer its Environmental Education program to homeschool families this Spring!  Although usually used by traditional, brick-and-mortar private & public schools, Fortson 4-H Center has designed a program specifically and tailor-made for homeschool families!  

The Fortson Homeschool Club will start February 7 and end on May 23, meeting the 2^nd and 4^th Friday of every month.  This semester includes 8, 2-hour classes; 1 each meeting.  Intended age of students is 5-14 but all ages are welcome!  Classes include Herpetology, Pond Ecology, Forest Ecology, Team Building, Farm2Plate, Orienteering, Wilderness Survival and Pioneer Studies.  Fortson 4-H Center is a part of the University of Georgia’s cooperative extension so all classes are taught from an academic and research based curriculum, but are hands-on, engaging and FUN!

The Fortson Homeschool Club is fun and educational, making it an outstanding supplement to your instruction and a great way for you and your child to meet other homeschoolers!  Space is limited so register now!

More information about the Fortson Homeschool Club, Fortson’s Environmental Education program and Fortson in general can be found athttp://www.fortson4h.org/ee/index.html.  Please feel free to contact Reese Simmons, Environmental Education Coordinator, with any questions you may have at 770-946-3276 or dsimmons@uga.edu.

You're Invited!

Mommy's Tea Questionnaire

Missionary Unit Study- November 20, 2013 Meeting

Our unity study this quarter is entitled "Adopt a Missionary!" For November, December and January every homeschool family is adopting a missionary family.  At our next meeting on November 20, 2013 at 11:30 am at the South Cobb Library we are going to show and tell about our missionary family and the area they live in.

It is not too late to choose a family. Please email us at schomeschoolers@thestudyhalledu.com to request a family.

If you already have a family, here are some questions Samantha V. is using to get to know her family better.

• Tell us what you love about your life as a missionary.
• What are some things that have been hard to adjust to?
• Where was your last mission trip?
• What is the native language of your last mission trip?
• What is the currency of your last mission trip?
• What kind of government do they have?
• What is the main religion?
• What kind of things do you miss about America when travelling?
• What are some games that are popular in that country?
• What do kids who do for fun?
• Do they celebrate Christmas?
• If yes what are some ways they celebrate?
• What would be a fun native dish that we could google and make on our own?
• What kind of homes do they live in?
• Why did you chose to become a missionary?

Lastly the following are some notes from Samantha's church pastor on how to pray for your missionaries. Her pastor was a missionary in Peru for 26 years and knows first hand the power and need of prayer.

• Pray for protection Romans 15:31, II Thes. 3:1 From wicked people and Satan.
• Pray for their ministry to be accepted be those they seek to reach Romans 15:31.
• Pray for them to have joy and encouragement Ephesians 15:32.
• Pray for open doors Colossians 4:3-4
• Pray for God to be glorified II Thes. 3:1-2

Berry Patch Farms Field Trip on October 23, 2013

Berry Patch Farms

Another Look at our Green Meadows Field Trip

SCHS Green Meadows Garden Field Trip

Storytelling Festival on October 19, 2013

Arts & Crafts on October 9, 2013

Who?  South Cobb Homeschoolers


What?  Arts & Crafts


When?  Wednesday, October 9 at 11:30 am


Where?  South Cobb Library at 805 Clay Road, Mableton, GA 30126


How? This is FREE but RSVP is 
requested.  

Let us know if you are coming by RSVP here

October 18 Homeschool Day | Atlanta Botanical Garden

I just wanted to share this with you all!
Homeschool Day | Atlanta Botanical Garden

Berry Patch Farms Field Trip (Space is Limited- ONLY 4 More Slots Left)

Who? All South Cobb Homeschoolers (and their family/friends after members confirm)

What?  Berry Patch Farms Field Trip http://www.berrypatchfarms.net/

When? Wednesday, October 23, 2013 from 9:45 am -1:00 pm (We will meet at the South Cobb Library (805 Clay Road Mableton, GA 30126) and travel together.  The tour will begin at 11:00 am)

Where? Berry Patch Farms at 786 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock, GA.
Please arrive at the South Cobb Library (805 Clay Road Mableton, GA 30126) so we can arrive together as a group.

How?  It cost $6.50 for each person 2 and over.

RSVP REQUIRED!  CLICK HERE We have reached the maximum limit.  If you are interested, please sign up to be put on the waiting list.

You will receive a confirmation email if your spot is reserved.  Please cancel if you will not be able to attend so that others may come.

There will be a wagon hay ride.  Each child will go home with a pumpkin, coloring page and be served hot apple cider.

We will follow the field trip with our "potluck picnic" on the lawn so please bring a snack to share and blanket to sit on.

Fernbank Museum Homeschool Day

Fernbank Museum Homeschool Day

Monday, September 30 from 10am – 5pm

Immerse your child in a special day of hands-on learning adventures during Fernbank’s Homeschool Day. Participate in educational activities directed by Fernbank’s education team. Your child can also enjoy a chance to socialize with other homeschoolers, experience the new special exhibition Marco Polo: Man & Myth or see a film in Fernbank’s IMAX® Theatre (additional ticket).  

Homeschool Day Activities 
Guided Tour of Marco Polo
1pm and 2pm

·         No reservations required

·         Meet at special exhibition gallery entrance (Lower Level)

·         Tour will be led by an educator team member

·         All ages welcome; ideal for middle and high school students

Marco Polo Scavenger Hunt
10am – 5pm

·         Museum-wide scavenger hunt for all ages

Drop-In Activities in the Naturalist Center
1pm – 4pm

·         No reservations required

·         Hands-on exploration related to the Marco Polo exhibition

·         All ages welcome, ideal for elementary school students

Self-Guided Museum Tours10am – 5pm
Explore the Museum at your own pace. Come face-to-face with the world's largest dinosaurs, explore the development of life on Earth through the landscapes of present-day Georgia, connect with cultures from around the globe, engage in a variety of hands-on exhibitions and more!

Films in the IMAX® Theatre
Choose from two educational and entertaining films: Penguins and Hidden Universe. Separate ticket purchase required.  

Homeschool Day Admission Ticket Prices

·         Member Adults: Free

·         Member Children: Free

·         Non-member Adults: $17.50*

·         Non-member Children: $7*

Call 404.929.6400 to purchase Homeschool Day tickets. Please note: Advance registration is required and Museum Store will be close on September 30. 

If you have questions about Fernbank’s Homeschool Day, please contact us at jaquan.jackson@fernbankmuseum.org or 404.929.6306.

*Homeschool Day participants must present a state letter of intent to qualify for these special Homeschool Day rates.

The Music Studio

September Events ~ Field Trip and Show & Tell

South Cobb Homeschoolers Show & Tell 9/18/2013

Who? All South Cobb Homeschoolers (and their family/friends)

What? Show and Tell about anything that your child has learned so far this year.

When? Wednesday, September 18, 2013 11am to 12noon

Where? South Cobb Library at 805 Clay Road, Mableton, GA 30126.

How? This is FREE but RSVP is requested.  Let us know if you are coming by RSVP here

Green Meadows Community Gardens Field Trip 9/25/2013

Who? All South Cobb Homeschoolers (and their family/friends)

What? Green Meadows Community Garden Field Trip, Master Gardeners will show us around the garden and answer questions about how to grow food.
http://greenmeadowscommunitygarden.blogspot.com/

When? Wednesday, September 25, 2013 from 11:30 am -1:00 pm (Please arrive around 11:15 am so we can start as a group)

Where? Green Meadows Community Garden at 3780 Dallas Highway, Marietta, GA . DON'T use MAPQUEST!!  I was told that it gives the wrong directions.  It is just past The Avenue at West Cobb (3625 Dallas Highway, Marietta, GA 30064) at the intersection of Dallas Highway, Old Hamilton and Casteel Road.  There is a White House with a Green Top.

How?  Meet us there!  It's FREE!!!  Let Us Know if You are Coming by RSVP here

We will follow the field trip with our traditional potluck picnic so please bring a snack to share and blanket to sit on.

Stay Tuned...

If you are a member, please take a look at the Yearbook Information Page.  We plan to publish a South Cobb Homeschoolers Yearbook in June 2014 so please start collecting artifacts and pictures now.

Eastwest Farm Field Trip

Eastwest Farm Field Trip

What does my child need to know in Georgia?

Always remember that YOU as a parent have the right to choose what YOU want your child to know.  However, if you are looking for a good place to start thinking or to just compare with what the public school is doing click here .


To get instructional tips go to:
English Elementary
Math Elementary 
Science and Social Studies

August Activities ~ Our First Field Trip!!!!

Activity at the Park

Who?  All South Cobb Homeschoolers

What?  Activity at the Park

When? Wednesday,  August 21, 2013 from  11am- 12 noon

Where?  We will meet at the Taylor-Brawner Park. The address for the park is 3180 Atlanta Road, Symrna, GA 30080.  

This is FREE but RSVP is requested!

Click Here to RSVP: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/16FegLonl9aMHL_pboYINDV_iE_PU9TXgYUGJ8l5NaJY/viewform

Eastwest Farm Field Trip

Have you ever wondered where your food comes from?  Come see first hand!!!

Who? All South Cobb Homeschoolers (and their family/friends)

What?  Eastwest Farm Field Trip

When? Wednesday, August 28, 2013 from 11:30 am -1:30 pm (plan to arrive 15 minutes before at 11:15 am)

Where? Eastwest Farm at 3842 Barrett Parkway, Marietta, GA 30064. (There is no sign,  just a small whit house with the farm behind it.) 

We are requesting a $5.00 donation per FAMILY to show our appreciation to this farm for giving us this hands on experience! 

We will follow the field trip with our "potluck picnic" on the lawn so please bring a snack to share and blanket to sit on.

This event requires a donation and RSVP!

Click Here to RSVP: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/19NuOJNVIKBGjN1TLUGNt4uzZXHvRhodoHmuw62kd9ko/viewform

Welcome to the 2013-2014 School Year!

Well, here they are!  Cute, intelligent mamas planning the school year for the South Cobb Homeschoolers!

This year we will be learning where our food comes from, adopting a missionary family, learning sign language all culminating with a presentation unit in which we will also have our first ever grade level promotion ceremony.  How exciting!!!!

We will have more field trips and see more of our children sharing and presenting.  This is going to be an awesome year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Free Play on 8/1/2013

Here is a survey link for our meeting next week Thursday, August 1, 2013 at 11am.

Please fill it out if you plan to attend. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1T5L-PRSNPaoUBKq7YhCEaM-7Hb2kbd5or8Mz9rXDwDE/viewform 

Meet Dr. Ben Carson THIS SATURDAY July 20, 2013

Contact: Dr. James Lamb                FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 404-799-7288 Email: Berean@bellsouth.net           Dr. Benjamin S. Carson, Chief of Pediatric Neurosurgery at the Johns Hopkins University Medical Center, will be speaking for the morning Worship services at the Berean Seventh-day Adventist Church on Saturday, July 20, 2013 at both the 8:45 a.m and 11:30 a.m. services. Both services are open to the general public.   Dr. Carson will also be speaking exclusively to the members of the Atlanta Medical community (Physicians, Dentist, Physicians Assistants, etc.) at 3:00p.m. on July 20, 2013, on the subject “Lessons Learned from Risky Neurological Procedures.”  The venue for this presentation will also be at the Berean Seventh-day Adventist Church. A reception for the medical community will follow Dr. Carson’s presentation.     About Berean Seventh-day Adventist Church   Berean Seventh-day Adventist Church is the largest Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Atlanta Metropolitan Area, as well one of the largest Adventist congregations in the world, with a membership of over Four Thousand.     Berean operates a Child Development Center, Elementary/Middle School and a High School on its campus. Berean also has one of the largest food bank operations in Atlanta. The church has recently opened the Berean Village, a Senior Living Housing complex, and is laying the groundwork to open a community health center in the near future.         Berean Seventh-day Adventist Church 291 Hamilton E. Holmes Drive N. W. Atlanta, GA 30318

Documents for Getting your Homeschool Organized!

Are you struggling as you try to get yourself organized for the upcoming year?  Below are some documents that may be able to help.  They are all Word Documents so you can edit them as you need.

If there is something you want but don't see here, leave a comment.  We'll see what we can do to help.

Happy Planning!


2013-2014 Calendar- https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B3htzZLJscUFMlYzcWpaaHZRUWs/edit?usp=sharing 
Yearly Goals- https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B3htzZLJscUFeFhXQ0lQNHR2cUk/edit?usp=sharing
Weekly Planner-https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B3htzZLJscUFdGIzNVBPYW5tQnM/edit?usp=sharing
Monthly Goals- https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B3htzZLJscUFUDlUa0RUMXBoUm8/edit?usp=sharing
Daily Jobs List-https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B3htzZLJscUFVnpTc3p6SS1vLTQ/edit?usp=sharing
Master Schedule to Coordinate Multiple Learners-https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B3htzZLJscUFdEEtWGVWM3MwXzg/edit?usp=sharing
Turtle Time Nightly Checklist-https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B3htzZLJscUFcERJdlFaNHlaaWs/edit?usp=sharing
Menu-https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B3htzZLJscUFTWhGNDd3bmJ6QmM/edit?usp=sharing
Busy B's Morning Checklist-https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B3htzZLJscUFWkJRYWpUcUhNRmM/edit?usp=sharing
General Preschool Schedule- https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B3htzZLJscUFbTc5TG01RHB4amM/edit?usp=sharing

Blank Homeschool Calendar 2013

Are you looking for a blank template to prepare your homeschool calendar?

Search no further.  Click Here:
Blank 2013 Homeschool Calendar

Stressed or Blessed? by Sharon Grimes

As I approach another school year and the responsibilities of homeschooling become more and more real I find myself wondering "What did I get myself into?"

I have officially turned in my resignation notice and there is no turning back.

Now I wonder, how will I avoid getting stressed out at home?

I am reminded of the GHEA Conference speaker Sharon Grimes.  These are her notes as she asks us the question, are you stressed or blessed?



Stressed or Blessed?

How do you avoid being stressed out?

1. Don't neglect your morning manna.
• No Bible no breakfast/facebook/TV
2. Keep the right relationship with your family
• Your Spouse- have a regular date time together and be creative NOT expensive, have a "weekend to remember" once a year.
• Your Children- remember that children ARE your MOST important work.
3. Remember WHY you are homeschooling.
• Deuteronomy 6:4-7- If we don't teach our children to follow Christ, the world will teach them NOT to.
4. Choose curriculum that will work for YOU and for EACH child.
• There is no such thing as the "PERFECT" curriculum.  Pray and ask God to help you
• Jeremiah 33:3.
• What are your homeschool goals?  
• What is your childs learning style?
• What is your budget?
• Control your curriculum and don't let it control you!
5. Schedule your priorities FIRST; Then just say NO!
• Get the book "Freedom from the Tyranny of the Urgent" by Charles Hummel
• Every time you say "yes" to something outside the home you are saying "no" to something inside.
6. Discipline your children.
• Proverbs 1:7,8
7. Discipline YOURSELF!  Get Organized!
• Plan your menus a week in advance
• Homeschool year round
• Plan in pencil.
8. Be Flexible!
• Don't be so structure and organized that you don't put people first.
• Only Christ was perfect
9. Don't let your housework become overwhelming.
• Train your children to help you
• "401 Ways to Get Your Kids to Work at Home" by Bonnie Runyan McCullough
10. Find Support!! Don't isolate yourself.
• Join the South Cobb Homeschooler :)
• Check her out at www.facebook.com/HeirRaisingTales

As I typed this up I was reminded that I am blessed to homeschool my children.  They are God's gift to me and I will appreciate it everyday!

Georgia Tax Weekend 2013

Georgia Sales Tax Holiday Dates

August 9-10, 2013

It's that time again!!! Take advantage of this holiday and stock up on school supplies!!!

Click Here Georgia Tax Holiday 2013 for a list of tax exempt and non- exempt items

Meeting Minutes 6/27/2013

Meeting Minutes 6/27/2013

Good Deeds

On June 27, 2013 at 11 AM we held our monthly South Cobb Homeschoolers Arts & Crafts which was followed by a parent meeting.

During the Arts & Crafts Cheryl K. taught the children to "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your father in heaven" Matthew 5:16.

The Arts & Crafts was followed by a Veggie Tales movie  while the kids ate their snacks during which time the parents met briefly.

Parent Meeting

At the parent meeting each parent completed the South Cobb Homeschool Support Group Membership Application .  Our membership grew from 4 families with 8 children to 7 families with 14 kids!!!!  We are still accepting new members so download and fill out the membership form found here South Cobb Homeschool Support Group Membership Application.  It's FREE!!!!!!!

We then shared our goals for our children for the 2013 to 2014 school year and discussed Unit Plans.  Our homework is to think of something we want our child to experience for a quarter (3 months) and design a unit plan using the following template found here Unit Plans .   When we meet again on August 1, 2013 at 11am at the park in front of Mableton Elementary School (behind the South Cobb Library), we will share our unit plans and decide which 4 we will do for the 2013-2014 school year.  The address for the school is 5220 Church Street Mableton, 30126.  The park is the one located closest to the street.  If you are coming from the library and make a left at the blinking light, it is the park right there on the right hand side.

Fishers of Men Arts & Crafts

On Friday, May 24, 2013 at 12 noon we held our monthly Arts & Crafts.  Angela W. took the lead with helping the children to experience first hand God's command for us to be fishers of men.

"Then He said to them, 'Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.'” Matthew 4:19.

Field Trip Scouting Report- Little White House and Atlanta Children's Museum

Field Trip Scouting Report

Field Trip Scouting reports are broken down into the following categories:

A= Appropriate for kids ages 3-10
B= Appropriate for kids ages 10 and up
C= Appropriate for teenagers only
D= Appropriate for adults only
E= Appropriate for EVERYONE :)
F= Fun for NO ONE :(

This field trip scout report has been brought to you by The Study Hall Education Consulting Company, LLC (www.thestudyhalledu.com).

Little White House

On Monday, May 27, 2013 I went to the Franklin D Roosevelt's Little White House in Warm Springs, GA on a scouting expedition :)  I would give this field trip a B. Here are my findings.

I enjoyed my field trip, however, I found that it is definitely more suited for older kids.  This field trip would be a great culminating activity after studying The Great Depression and World War II.  

The best website to find up to date information on pricing and special events is http://gastateparks.org/LittleWhiteHouse/ .

 

Atlanta Children's Museum

On Sunday, June 30, 2013 I went to the Atlanta Children's Museum.  Of course, I took the children to check this one out.  I would give this field trip an A.

The Atlanta Children's Museum is PACKED with fun, hands on activities that keeps kids engaged from the moon sandbox area, to painting to grocery shopping to the dance area.  I especially liked how they included the home depot section which allowed the kids to see how things like conveyor belts work.

My children thoroughly enjoyed it and are asking to go back.  Luckily for them and for me Target sponsors the SECOND Tuesday of every month.  That means TOMORROW 7/9/2013 from 1pm to 7 pm  is FREE!!! I plan to go back!!

For more up to date information, check out the website at http://www.childrensmuseumatlanta.org/

This field trip scout report has been brought to you by The Study Hall Education Consulting Company, LLC (www.thestudyhalledu.com).

Parent Meeting Thursday 6/27/2013

This week we will host our parent meeting in concurrence with our Arts & Crafts at the South Cobb Library at 805 Clay Road, Mableton, GA 30126. In addition to the Bible verse memorization segments from the Old and New Testaments of the Bible combined with actions to help engage the kids, our parent meeting will discuss the plans for the 2013-2014 school year. We plan to engage ALL age groups this upcoming year so parents of children of ALL ages are encouraged to attend. This is FREE but RSVP is required! 

RSVP link : 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1owd_N_K4gj_hlXVsSUrL2Vc5LIe58giMMMCGNOcdHLo/viewform 

There is no fee for child care as we anticipated.

Here are some of the things we will discuss for the 2013-2014 School Year.

2014 End of Year Celebration

Nice ceremony to invite the family!  Including the following highlights

• Multiple Grade Level Promotions with a South Cobb Homeschoolers Yearbook with pages to highlight EVERY student and their accomplishments.

Quarterly Unit Studies

Short, hands-on lesson plans that cover specific topics. These often fill in gaps or add enrichment to a homeschool program. You can download some of these for free, or you can purchase them with supplies and reading materials. They cover a wide variety of topics, and homeschoolers use them for many subjects.  This is open to ALL age groups!!!

We will discuss four ideas for unit studies.  Please ask your child what they would like to learn about.

• Some ideas I would like to explore is to use the library’s FREE Power Speak http://www.cobbcat.org/e-library/language.html and explore the language and culture of the Spanish and Mandarin
• Nature- Butterflies, Polar Bears, Fox, Lions
• Music- Types of Instruments, Types of Music

Suggested Activities by Age Group

• Choose Parent Leaders and Activities
• (Birth- Age 7) Pre-K to 2nd Grade- Quarterly Unit Studies, Arts & Crafts/Free Play
• Meeting Twice a Month
• (Ages 8- 10) 3rd-5th Grade- Quarterly Unit Studies
• Meeting Once a Month
• (Ages 11- 13) 6th-8th Grade- Quarterly Unit Studies
• Meeting Once a Month
• (Ages 14-18) 9th-12th Grade Quarterly Unit Studies
• Meeting Once a Month