Wordless Wednesday: Catching a Ride

 

5 Days of Homeschooling An Only Child

It's day two of 5 Days of Blogging with the Homeschool Crew and today I'm going to be writing about Homeschooling An Only Child and what it is like to school at home with just one.

I'll be breaking this article up into two categories: Benefits and Challenges, and I want to start with our Challenges because I think that it is important to point out that families with only one child have similar struggles as larger families.

~ Challenges ~

One challenge that I face is motivating Funny Bunny to get school started and then get it completed.  She doesn't have siblings that she can work with and she can't compete with brothers or sisters to get assignments done or even challenge others in games.  Each day is a new challenge and can become a struggle at times. 

Another challenge we face is boredom.  I try to rotate subjects and make things as fun as they can be, but to be honest, I'm sometimes not great at that.  We may be in the house for a couple days, and even the breaks in between subjects can get boring. 

One last challenge we face is giving constant attention.  With no other children in the house, I am next in line.  ;)  She is pretty good about playing on her own and keeping herself occupied, but when that wears off, she comes to me.  Of course this isn't necessarily a bad thing, just a constant thing.  ;)

~ Benefits ~

I've listed a few challenges, but there are so many more benefits!!!  So what can be good about homeschooling just one child?  Although we do get off track from time to time, I can get us back quickly and finish what we need to do each week.  It is not hard to meet the goals that I have made for the year.  We also have a lot of flexibility in our schedule and can attend most field trips and activities that come up each month.

I love that I can give all the one-on-one attention that is needed.  Our curriculum is pretty parent intensive.  I have to sit with her for almost every subject still, so it is a lot of work from me, but I enjoy spending that time with her.

More things I love: spending unlimited quality time together, snuggling up on the couch and reading good literature, laying on the floor and drawing pictures together, bird watching, swinging, cooking, and even cleaning together!  I could go on and on!

I think all families, large and small, face unique but similar challenges.  Some days are good and some are hard.  Some days I feel like the odd homeschooling family with just one child, but regardless, I know I enjoy homeschooling and wouldn't do anything differently.  :o)

 

And the Just Plain Nora Winner Is...

Comment #10: Laura Lane said...I think my 10 yo daughter would like it.

I used Random.org to pick the winner and I have already notified her via email.

Thanks to everyone who participated in the Just Plain Nora Book Giveaway via Our Homeschool Reviews and thanks again to Jennifer at Little Homeschool on the Prairie for allowing me to offer this great product!

5 Days of Homeschooling An Only Child

Many of you know that I am finishing up my second year with the TOS Homeschool Crew {and I'm happy to share that I'll be starting my third year next month}!

From time to time my crewmates and I participate in fun things like blog hops and cruises together.  Well, today I am excited to announce that The Homeschool Crew is pleased to bring you . . .

5 Days of  . . .  Blog Hop 

5 days, 65 bloggers, 325 blog posts

Sixty-five bloggers will be writing every day for 5 days on topics from adoption to character training to curriculum evaluation to literature...many more than I could list. To see all of the topics, just click the banner above.  Before you do though, stick around to read more about my topic . . .

I figure I am somewhat of an expert since I homeschool...and have just one child.  ;)  Of course half of the time I feel like I am just flying by the seat of my pants, but I do hope that this series will be encouraging.

Back when we first started talking about having children we weren't thinking we would only have one, and we certainly didn't think we would homeschool.  It wasn't until Funny Bunny was about 18 months old that homeschooling even became a thought.

Homeschooling an only child is just as rewarding and wonderful as homeschooling a house full of children.  We have unique challenges, I'm sure, but I wouldn't change a thing. 

If you have just one child you homeschool or if you are thinking about homeschooling an only child, I would love for you to follow along with me this week.  And if you are on the fence about it, I hope I can be helpful.  I'll be touching on schooling at home, socialization, fitting in, and just plain having fun!

 

miscellany monday

~one~

funny bunny turned 9 last thursday.  for lunch i took her for tea and that evening we had a little family celebration.

~two~

friday night my brother received his associate in science degree and we went to his graduation ceremony.  

~three~ 

saturday we threw a birthday "pawty" for funny bunny and her friends.  it was a huge success but a large undertaking and i have several people to thank for their help 
{i'll show more in a separate post}

~four~

sunday we spent 3 1/2 hours at funny bunny's dance studio getting her recital pictures taken.  she had pictures taken in four different outfits.  it was a long afternoon but fun to see all the girls in their dance costumes!

 

And the Homeschool Experiment Winner Is...

Comment #53: Jenndiggy said...May first tweet: https://twitter.com/#!/jenndiggy/status/197456375192895488

I used Random.org to pick the winner and I have already notified her via email.

Thanks to everyone who participated in the The Homeschool Experiment Book Giveaway via Our Homeschool Reviews and thanks again to Charity Hawkins for allowing me to offer this great product!

Just Plain Nora Book Review & Giveaway

Nora Smith is growing up as a middle child in a frontier family.  She struggles with feeling insignificant and just plain ordinary.  If only she can win the Mountain Springs spelling bee, her problems will disappear!  Nora prepares for her moment to shine as champion of the bee.  However, other circumstances prevail, proving to Nora the importance of just being herself.


Funny Bunny's Review: 

Just Plain Nora by Jennifer Hutchins is a book about a girl named Nora who longs to feel like she is unique and one-of-a-kind.

I like Just Plain Nora because Nora wants to be different.  And she never gives up until it happens (if it does)!  Nora, though a daydreamer, tries her hardest to be unique like her siblings.  To me, Nora seems to be a hardworking girl, and though she tries her best, she's just plain Nora.

My favorite part was when Nora braves the storm and gets her name put in the paper.  Not only is Nora happier, she now knows she isn't ordinary - she's always been what she dreamed she would never become.

I really like Just Plain Nora!

Jennifer Hutchins began her writing career at the age of ten by shutting herself in the garage and "banging out" stories on an old typewriter. Her love for writing was born at that time and continues today with the publication of her first children's book. Currently, Jennifer and her husband homeschool their two daughters. She also works part-time as a speech and creative writing instructor to young adults at a local Christian college. Jennifer lives with her family (and many pets) in an old farmhouse that they are restoring together. She enjoys exploring the natural beauty of the outdoors, traveling, playing games, reading, cooking, and photography.

Find Out More: You can find out more about Just Plain Nora online at Jennifer's blog, Little Homeschool on the Prairie or on Amazon.  Her book sells for $11.95 and is recommended for ages 8-12.  You can also find activities and interesting information about life in Nora's time.

--------------------------------------------------------

GIVEAWAY!!

So, here's how to enter to win a copy of Just Plain Nora!  For each comment, you will get one (1) entry.

1. Leave a comment telling me why you would like to win

2. Follow my blog using Google Friend Connect

3. Subscribe to my blog by email through Feedburner

4. Like Our Homeschool Reviews on Facebook

5. Like Jennifer J Hutchins on Facebook

6. Follow me on Twitter @OurHSReviews

7. Post about this giveaway on your blog or Facebook

8. Tweet about this giveaway up to once a day:  I entered to #win Just Plain Nora @OurHSReviews http://ourhomeschoolreviews.blogspot.com/2012/05/just-plain-nora-book-review-giveaway.html #Giveaway ends 5/14

**Remember to please leave a separate comment for each entry**

Contest ends on Monday, May 14, 2012 at 11:59 EST.  The winner will be chosen by Random.org.  This contest is open to U.S. residents who are 18 or older.  If I am unable to reach the winner by email within 48 hours, an alternate winner will be selected.  Your entry is only valid if you include a way for me to contact you (either an email address in your comment or on your profile).  The winner's name will be obtained and publicly announced.  The number of eligible entries determines the odds of winning.  No purchase is necessary to win and this contest is void where prohibited by law. 

Disclosure:  This product was given to Our Homeschool Reviews for free for review purposes, and I do not have to return the products to the vendor.  I have received no compensation from it and all opinions and experiences within this review are my own.

Homeschool Library Builder Sale!

If you are like our family, you like to have good literature at your fingertips.  I am constantly searching book lists for good, wholesome books that go along with the time period or theme we are studying.  Just recently I came across Homeschool Library Builder.

Homeschool Library Builder is a Christian, family-run book business dedicated to providing great literature at affordable prices.  

They stock new and used, hardcover and softcover titles.  Most new titles are publisher’s remainders and overstocks and their used books are rated by condition and priced accordingly.  Most of their used titles are in very good or better condition and they are always on the lookout for hard-to-find or out-of-print titles.

MAY SALE

25% Off All Items!!

{Sale price calculated once item is in your cart}

 I am loving this site already and here are three reasons why:

*  You can search by curriculum:  Ambleside, Beautiful Feet, Five in a Row, Heart of Dakota, Sonlight, and Tapestry of Grace.

*  They have classic literature, vintage, and hard to find books!

*  If you are having trouble finding a book, they are happy to try to locate your item at no extra cost.

They also have a book rewards program.  As a member, you earn one book point for each dollar you spend.  Fifteen book points equal $1 in your account toward future purchases.  You can also earn points when you refer friends or promote HSLB through your website.

Find Out More:  You can find out more online at Homeschool Library Builder and more here about Membership Benefits.  They also have a 30-day money back guarantee.

My Crewmates are also talking about Homeschool Library Builder, so you can check out what they think HERE.

Disclaimer:  As part of the TOS Homeschool Review Crew, I was asked to write about the Homeschool Library Builder website.  No compensation was received.  All opinions are my own. 

Wordless Wednesday: NINE!!

Someone's turning 9 tomorrow!

Let's Be Honest Purex Campaign

Today, April 30th, Purex launches it's new Let’s Be Honest promotional campaign featuring Second City Comedian Molly Erdman. 

Purex has created a funny series of short video vignettes sharing honest moments that reflect the ironic truths of everyday Life, Laundry, and Whatever.

And… the campaign will also offer a sweepstakes. Everyday one lucky entrant will win a year’s supply of Purex detergent!

Through mid July, there will be new funny videos uploaded every few days at www.purex.com, plus posts on Facebook and promotional tweets on Twitter. The daily sweepstakes will run through July 24th.

So go and check it out!

Disclosure:  I have received no compensation from this post and all opinions and experiences within it are my own.