2013 In Review

So here’s my rundown of my year that was 2013

Best thing I did for myself with the help of Allah: I let go of my feelings of inadequacy and for the greater good, relinquished my homeschool duties to my husband. It was tough as we transitioned. I missed being her teacher. But in truth and honesty, my husband is better equipped. He is more informed and better read than I am and we are teaching at such an accelerated pace, based on her interest, that I spent too many hours on preparation. Plus, he taught HS carpentry and mathematics for nearly 20 years before our babygirl came along. I am now PROUD of my husband for stepping up and feel no guilt or shame that he’s the best man for the job.

Best habit(s) I picked up with the help of Allah: I tried running for almost 2

months. I actually LOVED it. I have a few things to put in place before I can resume, but it is really something I can see doing for myself.

Second habit: Filing my receipts in a plastic pouch in my purse. O-M-G. When I’m balancing my account and can’t remember a charge, when I want to see if a price for an item is cheaper than I paid before, when I have a return or exchange…it is incredibly freeing to have these at my fingertips! Part 2 of this is organizing my purse. EVERYTHING has it’s own case within the purse. It have saved HOURS this year because I know where everything is.

Best new hobby with the permission of Allah: Extreme couponing. I’m not the type of couponer that will take ANYTHING because it’s free or cheap. I look for what we need and buy as much as I can with the amount I have available. I’ve amassed quit a stockpile of laundry supplies, toilet paper, paper towel and toiletries like expensive razors blades for my husband who sports a baldie and hair color for me *wink*.

Best thing I did for my family with the help of Allah: I began really studying and parsing How To Eat to Live Books 1&2 by the Hon. Elijah Muhammad as part of a class I’m enrolled in. We have changed our diets dramatically and though costly, it is offset by my coupon savings.

Best business power move of the year with the help of Allah: We left our, no longer beneficial, 8 year old radio contract and took the bold move to syndicate our own radio show. It’s the same amount of work for us, just with greater risk and greater reward. So far so good, but are continually in prayer and discussion to keep this business going. We’ve been all an all-in self-employed family since about 2005 and there’s no looking back. We are blessed with supportive family and friends who keep realistic, yet conscious of the trail we’re blazing. ALL praise is due to ALLAH.

If you’ll join me in the shallow lands here are a few more high points:

·       I started taking a B-complex vitamin and BAM, I have more energy and mental focus.

·       I am photographed A LOT and I am not photogenic at all. People who are

truthful with me tell that I look better in person. I dropped in to the mall one day and on the spur of the moment allowed myself to be made up at the Lancome counter. Since that day, I do not do public events without make up. It’s not much, just bit of liquid foundation, mascara and some barely tinted lip moisturizer but it has made a difference to me.

·       I have quit talking on the phone to friends. My best cousin and my best friend each get a call once every 2-3 months and we chat it up until we’re caught up. I only make time for my mom and dad. My mom is a daily call. My dad and I talk every Sunday and whenever else we have something, usually silly or mundane, to say.

·       My car is insured and properly registered! (Somebody just felt that)

My wish for all who stop by this blog: May you have PEACE with all that Allah has in store for your life in 2014. The good and the bad and the lessons.

Sister P

How's She Doing? Fine Ma'am!

As the traditional school year comes to a close, I am having the usual questions of whether I am up to par as a teacher. My daughter is struggling with her multiplication, but I realize that we are working on it a bit early since she is only in 2nd grade. So I'm re-evaluating our summer school math and reading plans. Based on the Common Core Standards, we're doing well so I think I'm going to go a little easier than planned on her this summer :o) She has 5 weeks of day camp that have her busy from 7-6 each day. Three separate camps for Tennis, swimming, dance, etc. Each night we'll continue math on www.ixl.com and we'll continue reading with the awesome Hooked on Phonics relic that one of the grandparents found at a yard sale! I'm very pleased with her grasp of our Muslim diet and what she should wear. She's excited to be in line with the teachings. Socially, she's a confident butterfly and I'm proud of that. We'll continue our NSBE Jr. meetings throughout the summer and she should be set for our August 1- mid-September break before beginning 3rd grade. I'm ready for the Grade 3 challenge and I'm still confident that homeschooling is the best choice for my Muslim daughter at this stage.

Art Class!

Yes I do a little sewing and a little scrapping but by no means am I creative. So, what does a homeschool mom do for art class? Pass it off onto her husband LOL

We are fortunate that my husband is super creative.

Here are some pics of the puppets they did with construction paper, markers and twisty ties. (These really were scary to me for some reason. Maybe they reminded me of South Park)

And the super duper pinata he made for BabyGirls birthday.

So between sewing instruction and a creative dad, we get art credits taken care of :o)

Gaining Focus

For the first time since my radio program began in 2005, I am taking a two month hiatus!  I'm really going to get into my lane and stay there!

My lane? The "homeschooling Muslim wife who has a business, weighs properly and has great friendships" lane.

For that reason, I am pulling back in some areas and "going in" in some areas.

Areas where I need to pull back - Facebook games, smartphone games. I might spend an hour on these a day. That is enough time for sewing, exercise, scrapping or cleaning.

Areas where I need to "go in" - Business planning, advance lesson planning, menu planning.

I am off to a good start. This post comes a few weeks after I've already started so I'm confident that these are not just words.

I'm re-energized!

2011 Garden Preview

We got off to a much better start this year. We have a living room full of seedlings that are strong and ready to go into the ground.

 

Next week, we are getting a truck full of soil to finish off the plots and will post pictures once we have most things in the ground.

Of course, we've made a lesson out of the new garden. Doing a lot of predicting and estimating (math) and new vocabulary (words like germination, trellis) and learning about pollination. Last year we were pleasantly surprised to learn that ants pollinated as well as bee's. The ants hooked my cucumber plants up!

Happy Planting!

Our First Science Fair Exhibit!

New Math Tool - IXL

I quickly realized that I was going to need some real help teaching math and science to my daughter. I know what to teach, but making math and science fun for a class of ONE was challenging from the word, Go!

My child really enjoys her independence so online work, with my supervision, works well for her. Plus the automatic feedback is great.

I am always looking for free stuff and came across, IXL for math. Like most sites, there is a free version and a paid one. For me, its working well still using the free portion. I let the system introduce a concept and if she breezes through, great! If not, we spend some real class time on that concept and she can go back online the next day and try the activity again until she masters it and we move on.

Honestly, it has introduced some concepts that I did not think to do yet. Since she has chosen a career that involves mastery of a lot of science and math, I have to really keep my game tight on these subjects.

The reason I'm considering going up to the paid version is the tool that allows you to make sure you are keeping up with the (low) standards of your own state. My goal would be to get her a grade ahead on these so she can be on an accelerated track by high school and begin taking college courses around 14 or 15.

Let me know if you've used this and how it has worked for you!

The Lessons From The Lessons That I Can Actually Share :o)

What I'll say to you both @Awa and @Don, who commented on my last post is this:

My personal growth is not so much about the actual material that I am studying. It's more about the process. It's the fact that I'm devoting time to intense study. Intense study is when you stop at EVERY WORD that you can not define with your own words and look up the definition and then write it down so that it can become embedded in your memory.

It's the discipline. I'm awaking earlier just to complete the work. I'm exercising first thing in the morning so I'll have proper blood flow to my brain and organs for the day. I'm going to bed earlier so I can get up. I'm eating earlier so I can go to bed earlier. I'm planning my meals in advance so I can cook more efficiently. Get the cycle?

My new study techniques have allowed me to alter my daughters homeschool lessons in a way that she is retaining information much faster. And also I'm learning to integrate reading into to every subject. All because I'm studying something myself.

This can be done with any Bible study course, Rich Dad Poor Dad money course or anything you'd like to learn to understand COMPLETELY.

We can only share what we know for sure. And I desire to know for sure that what I do in my daily life is the best for me and my family.

Thanks again for reading these words!

The Lessons Found In My Garden

There have been a few teachable moments to arise as a result of our gardening experiment.  First:
PREDATORS:

Who see's a butterfly and thinks "predator"? Farmers and gardeners do!
The caterpillars decimated by green leafy vegetables. They are called cabbage whites and they will eat the life out of a garden!

So what does my husband do? He puts one in a box with holes and we turn it into a science lesson of observation and a handwriting and spelling lesson as my daughter keeps a journal.

On the positive side she was able to witness 3 of the 4 life stages (caterpillar, chrysalis, butterfly) of this thing. Also she learned and had to spell the three stages plus other words.  With her in Kindergarten, this is the first journal we attempted and I'm pleased with the outcome and her increased handwriting confidence.

After two weeks, we released it.

She is launching the evil insect from what WAS my raised bed garden. Now its a dirt holder due to the damage.  I will now SMASH everyone I find.

On to happier times:

The basil is growing strong. (We've had to kill 3 of another type  of caterpillar on here but we learned to inspect all plants daily).

So far I've made a DELICIOUS basil pesto with penne and served it with parmesan crusted salmon and broccoli.

Today we made a basil, onion and garlic marinara.

BabyGirl is learning to harvest the leaves.

Considering A Homeschool Co-Op Pt. 2

In my community there are a few homeschool co-ops. How do you decide which one or ones to join? I always remind parents to remember the reason you homeschool in the first place. Find a place the supports your beliefs or at the very least, does not conflict with them.

I would suggest all potential co-op participants consider this:

1. What is the "culture" of the co-op? Does is cater toward Christian values, Black culture, atheists, etc.?

2. How often does the co-op meet? Will it compliment or hinder your current schedule?

3. Location and safety of meeting. Is the neighborhood safe? Are other people or groups in the building when your group is there? Are you confident that your child is safe walking to and from the bathroom, next class, etc. Is there a possibility that your child could walk out of the building? Is there a fire procedure that includes teachers taking attendance and taking it with them out of the building in case of fire?, etc.

4. Who are the parents and is there a discipline policy?

5. What is the cost of each class? Are there hidden costs such as materials or specialized clothing?

6. Are there established student cliques and if so, are children encouraged to welcome and interact with new students?

After observing and asking questions of the co-op that a friend of ours attended, I opted out.

We are now in the process of starting our own.  But its tough.

Next installment: When and How To Start Your Own Homeschool Co-Op.
Read Part 1 - Why Join A Homeschool Co-Op? CLICK HERE

Muhammad Farm - Patio Version *photo heavy*

Here's the last of our seedlings. If they don't get into the planter soon, we'll miss our chance! Those are watermelon seeds on the right. *fingers crossed*Here's the start of some more tomatoes, green peppers and hot peppers.

Here are our cucumbers. See the trellis we made with some twigs we gleaned from our neighbors curb?
We are growing potatoes in coffee sacks. Here they are up close before the back fill. You can google this technique, but what we did was take a red potato that began to grow eyes and cut it up. We put the pieces in about 2" of soil and rolled the bag down. As it grows these stems, you keep adding dirt. Leaving out just a few leaves to catch the sun to feed the plant. By Thanksgiving we'll have a bag full of red potatoes! The bags are usually $1 each from the local coffee house. Sometimes they are free though.

Broccoli and tomatoes are going fine in my husband-made planter.
My handy husband built this for me on the porch. He made it tall so it would get full sunlight. Plus it is HANDY to have the garden waist high. My house is built in a hill so my backyard is on the basement level and is a shared space. We felt it was safer to garden in containers on the porch. We gleaned all the wood from dumpsters of local carpentry trade schools. If you do this, you need a REALLY long truck. You never know how big the wood will be that you find.This has been a GREAT science lesson for BabyGirl. We are focusing on the method of planting etc. We'll get into the area of predicted outcomes as well. Harvest time will turn into cooking lessons.

Cocoa is here!

We named "it" Cocoa.  It's an African Spur Thigh Tortoise. We wanted an African name and love watching "The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency" so we stole "Cocoa". That's what people say when they knock on doors on the show.  Not sure if we spelled it right but either way its a nod to the show.

Details coming on how Cocoa has become part of the homeschool curriculum in the week she's been here.

Extreme Classroom Makeover - A lesson in bargain shopping

We're midway through Kindergarten and we out grew the classroom-in-the-bedroom-corner set up. We transformed our family/tv room into the new classroom area.

What most homeschool parents won't admit is how expensive it can be to teach at home. I think I'm going to do a series on ways to save money and find bargains.

All the furniture in this room, plus some you don't see, was less than $20. We found it at a surplus auction at The University of Kentucky. If interested in bargain shopping at auctions, I recommend surplus auctions over the junk filled ones with personal sellers. Usually they want too much for something that should be in a yard sale. Surplus goes for any price, no minimum.

Try local colleges, board of education, police department or library for sales. This one comes every 2-3 months. Next time we're going for a microscope, tv or exercise equipment.

Here are early shots of the room. We've done some more wall decorations since this was taken and started filling the book shelves a bit more.

Laminated wood plaques with prayer, national and quotes as you enter

Two tables $5 (one shown) Seven foot bookcases $5 (one shown)

I got three of these desks for $2 total! All chairs for $2 total.

Mommy-made curtains

Teachable Moments - Haiti

When I was just starting college as a music education major, I remember Dr. Carroll stopping occasionally after a question from a student and say, “This is what we call a ‘teachable moment’”. Then he was stray from his intended path for the day and take us where the question led.

Here is my Haiti teachable moment:

The earthquake tragedy of Haiti is a major world event that will soon take its place in history books. But we didn’t want BabyGirl to read about it one day and realize she was alive when it happened but didn’t recall learning or doing anything about it.

Our current core subjects are:
US geography
Family History
Handwriting (printing)
Math
Reading/Spelling/ Vocabulary
Science
Religion

Many would call the Haiti tragedy, world history. Here is how we are working it into our core content:
US Geography: She knows where Florida is on the US map. So we took it to the globe and pointed out where Haiti is in relation to Florida to get some perspective. We mapped what states we’d travel through to drive to Florida and then the modes of transportation to the island of Haiti.
Handwriting/Spelling/Vocabulary: Write the word “Haiti” to learn to spell it. Also “earthquake” “relief”
Science: What is an earthquake? What/Who causes earthquakes?

Then a general conversation about safety ensued. To ease her fears we talked about what emergency preparations are in our home. We let her try on our gas masks. We demonstrated the butane cooking stove and kerosene heater. We talked about the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. What foods we have that are stored in case our electricity is off in an emergency (or other ;o) situation. How we will clean the water from the creek that runs behind our home if the water supply is cut off. Etc.

Also, we made her aware of our contribution to the cause. We have provided major detailed coverage in our newspaper and we have also assisted in the promotion of local fundraising events. She also hears my radio show guests as we discuss it, so she is learning how to help “in your own way” to any cause. Money is not always YOUR best means of assistance.

We're getting a pet! (and how to chose one for your family)

Well, we have come to the end of a long road. We’ve been debating what would be a good pet for us.

I am vehemently opposed to dogs, cats and rats in my house. I don’t like the hair of dogs and cats and any thing that reminds me of a mouse, rat or squirrel is OUT.

But I did want an animal that my daughter could pet and play with, so where do we go?

She has a fish and a 2.5 gallon tank. That’s plenty for us. But fish are only for watching and she is not old enough to feed the fish herself.

So, I began looking at reptiles. After my own process of elimination, I settled on turtles and tortoises. Through research I learned that turtles are quite affordable at around $20-$30 each. But I also learned that they should not be handled, except during the cleaning of their tanks. Their land and water habitat is a breeding ground for salmonella. Uh…NOPE!

Then I found the tortoise. The cost alone made me think no…the animal alone costs around $110-$140. Then the container, food, initial vet exam….whew! However, as I read on, this seemed like the perfect pet.

First they live to be 50 years old. The fun part is that they need exercise 3-4 times per week so she (meaning me ;o) can take him out and let him walk around the house under close supervision. He eats green leafy vegetables, just like we do. He needs UV light which means that with a proper container she can take him outside when she goes outside to play. And there are some very elaborate set ups that she and her father can create to give him a great home. My husband was a college and high school carpentry instructor so he knows how to teach using the content areas of geometry, basic math and vocabulary. We could work on a pot garden to grow food for ourselves and food specifically for the tortoise that needs extra calcium. This has yearly science and wood shop lesson written all over it!

So, I think we found our pet. Now we wait it could take 1 week to 4 months before on is available from our preferred supplier.

Here are my tips for selecting a pet.

1. Do research on what your landlord allows if you rent.
2. Look at your flooring and find a pet that is compatible with your carpet or hardwood floors.
3. Once you have narrowed your search to a type of pet such as dog, cat, reptile, fish then begin looking at initial cost and the cost of maintenance.
4. Once your final decision is made, find a vet FIRST. For example, all vets don’t see all animals. We had to find one that specialized in wild and exotic pets. Also, ask for their advice on where to buy the animal from. The always have a favorite pet store or local breeder.
5. Don’t forget to check the local humane society before buying. They even rescue small furry pets and reptiles. You may be able to save an animal and some dollars.
6. DO NOT give any money as a deposit to reserve and animal until your child has the chance to visit with one, even if its not the one you eventually buy. Make sure they are comfortable handling it and are not afraid.
7. Be certain that the seller has a reasonable return policy. 7 days may not be enough time for you. Especially if you want to have it examined by the vet. And some animals should not be handled for the first 3-4 days as they adapt to the new environment.

I'll post pics when we finally get ours!

Why join a Homeschool Co-Op?

I believe that there are several reasons that education cooperatives are very important in the development of the homeschooled child and the parent.

Benefits to the parent:

It allows you to network with other parents who are doing and have done what you are trying to accomplish. You can learn a lot from them and always have a group to ask questions of.

The coop can give you an extra opportunity to see adults. Many homeschool parents do not work outside the home and find it isolating.

There are some courses that your child needs that you don't have a clue about. There may be another parent teaching something that you don't want to attempt and your child gets the lesson which is the most important thing.

Benefits to the child:

Many children miss "going to school". But it is the structure and predictablility that they are often missing. The co-op we attended had 4 instructional hours so my daughter got to change classes. Plus she got to pack a lunch and experience the "cafeteria".

Allows your child to find some same age and same gender friends. All the children in our neighborhood are 2-3 years older than my daughter and my friends with children her age are all boys. We haven't found a compatible friend yet, but the vehicle is there.

Some children lack other adult guidance and instruction. The co-op lets them learn to take instruction from people other than you.

Helped build her immune system. My daughter was not exposed to many outside germs and communicable disease like the common cold, flu, etc The first 2 weeks of co-op she had sniffles. But soon her body adapted and she broke the cold and never had another one.

There may be something that you need a group for such as a special class. I approached our Black history museum about a daytime class and the curator said sure, but we needed to have a minimum number in attendance to do it. I found other parents from the coop to join us.

Next in the series:
Part II: How to choose the right Co-Op

Ramadan Activities and Lessons For Children Part 3

I'mmo need you to forget that Ramadan was in September LOL.

I was invited to present four short 25 minute presentations to 2nd graders on Ramadan at our local Children's Museum.

Here's what I prepared:

Ramadan Presentation
Objective: Student will be able to name some activities that are forbidden during the fasting hours of Ramadan. 
Content areas: Religion or Civics, Art
Supplies: Coloring Sheet (left)
White and/or light blue construction paper
Black and/or navy blue construction paper
Crayons, markers or coloring pencils
Glue
Scissors
(optional: glitter, moon, sun, star stickers)

Lesson: (5 mins)
1. Define Ramadan-  be sure to explain the difference between "Holy Days" and a holiday.
2. Explain what is forbidden during daylight hours (age appropriately)- be sure to include arguing/quarreling among forbidden activities
3. Explain what is done after sundown (modest meal, more reading, prayer)
4. Discuss coloring sheet.  Each square shows a common activity during Ramadan for Muslims.  What time of day would each one take place. (drinking-night; reading-day and night; play with toys as distraction for children who may be hungry-day; eating soup-night; prayer-day and night)
Craft Instructions: (15 mins)
1. Choose one full sheet of paper in either white or light blue to represent day.
2. Cut either a black or navy blue paper in half (5.5 x 8.5) and glue it to half of the first sheet to create a dark and light side representing day and night.
3. Color the sky (top) of each paper with a day scene (sun, clouds) and night scene (moon, stars).
4. Color each item on the coloring sheet above and cut out.
5. Glue each item to the proper side of paper (day or night).  Some creative students will paste some items on the line between since they can be done either day or night.
Clean up: (5 mins.)
Evaluation: Students understand if they place the items in the proper place (day or night).  Reinforcement can be made by allowing them to study the craft and quiz them at a later time.

Reading Fun Online -FREE

My mother had BabyGirl for a week and insisted that I not send all of her homeschool materials.  She said she'd take care of it.

Well, my brilliant 70 year old web savvy mother found a great site that my daughter loves!

It is Star Fall. I have only looked that the free things but they also have a store and curriculum.

This is good for children learning letters and sounds, beginning readers and more advanced.

Overall, a great site that is a fun addition to our resources.

Ramadan activities and lessons for children Pt. 2

Better late than never I say! We did not finish all of our Ramadan activities on time, BUT the lessons were still important so we "got 'er done"!

Here I listed all that I planned for the month.  This is #3:

Homemade Prayer Rug

Content Areas Covered: language arts (vocabulary), religion, arts and crafts
Supplies:
Paper and pencil for sketching
Solid color pillow case (spare one of course)
Felt or other thick solid fabric
Scissors
Straight pins
Glue or sewing materials

Directions:
 First we began with discussion of prayer.  I referred back to our pillar lessons for reinforcement. Then  I told her we were making a prayer rug. If your child is not familiar with a prayer rug, explain the use in tradition of using one.

Next, sketch the design for your prayer rug.  We decided that we'd make one each year for a daily time of prayer.  We started with Fajr. To coincide with the time of prayer, we chose to make a dawning sun and put the word on to reinforce spelling.

After sketching we looked through scrap material and found all we needed.  I used straight pins to hold in place which allows you to move things around when needed.

Then I decided to sew it all down on the sewing machine.  This took longer than the cutting but I felt it was worth it.  The thread will show on the reverse side, but that was not a big deal for me.  I wanted the finished product to be soft and usable so I refrained from gluing which often turns hard.

That is all!

Notes: My 5 year old was in on the discussion but this project was too advanced for her to really participate.  It was something completed by my husband and I.   I would recommend this for 4th grade and above so they can design and cut themselves.

OK, I'm due to do some posting

So this is what I do.  The posts that I do on this blog take a lot of time. I usually have pics and a lot of information. But time, I'm really short on.

I do a lot of Twittering (@SisterP) so I put that cute little box over on the left so you can see that I'm alive even when I don't post.

Right now there's some problem with the feed so I guess I need to post.

Ramadan:
Wow! I had the most amazing month.  Much learned, much accomplished, ready to move forward in the footsteps of Allah's messengers.  Eid celebration yet to be scheduled by my study group. (I know, I know....)

Work:
Need a recharge FOR REAL! Still working on that.  Got an award which I'll talk about.

Homeschool:
We are unschooling right now, but not on purpose LOL!

Housework:
Weeks behind due to some over commitment on my part.

Sewing:
Got a new serger. I have also completed some tasks and pants for babygirl.  Need to begin work on my fall clothes, luckily it's still hot here.

Other businesses:
Have great business idea but it hinges greatly on the work of someone I don't think I can rely on.  This may be an easy one to brush off of my plate.

Book series still in discussion stage.

Other projects:
My mom's 70th bornday celebration is coming fast and I have to come up with the presentation portion of the luncheon. Lots of research and calling about.