Have you ever heard of Barefoot Books? Well, if you haven’t, here’s just a peak of what fabulous books they published and products they produce!

From a few tweets, to this review and giveaway–Hey, I even became an Ambassador in the process! Listed below are

Top Ten Reasons Why Barefoot Books Rock!

1. Cloth-covers. High-quality book crafting. Having started book collecting with my husband this past summer, with 100+ year old books, I have to say; I have not seen, touched or smelt new, high-quality book craftsmanship like this is years! Book publishers are SO darn cheap these days.
2. Gorgeous Illustrations. The art of each and every single page is fascinating. You can catch my girls and I spending long minutes just admiring the art.
3. Illustrations unique to the story. Ever see art in a picture book that has NO relevance whatsoever to the text on that particular page? Or, worse–not the whole book. Well, that is not the case with Barefoot Books. Every corner, inch of every page has meaning and significance. It’s mind-boggling at its perfection really!
4. Global Diversity & Cultural Appreciation. The wide range of topics from different cultures is so vast, from typical countries to explore like Mexico & Egypt–but, have you even heard of Galapagos before?
5. Books for All Ages. As you know my girls are 7, 9 & 10 years old, and Barefoot Books are geared to toddlers, young children 4 – 7 years. They just recently expanded to 8 – 11 years old. But, we are NOT bored at all. The illustrative art plus the magnificent craft of the words make these books collectibles in our home library to share with any of our family and friends! Oh, and these are perfect for newborns to toddlers too. Never underestimate our babies. Hey, all my girls read by 3 years old, mashaAllah (and that was before the hot “Baby can read” projects).
6. Picture Books Enriched with Rich History, Great Geography and Language Lessons. Every book we just read, yes–simple pictures; taken to the next level. Already we journey through the craft of writing; then you top it off with history, geography and language lessons.
7. Intimate, Interest-Building Incredible Learning Experience. Words are intertwined so ingeniously, that the learning process is natural rather than forced. The books beg you to stay intimate with the author throughout the story. And, my girls’ attention span is peaked during the story so much that they want the added appendixes with great desire, rather than boredom. The interest that is build through every flip of the page is absolutely incredible!
8. Hear Barefoot Books Live or 24/7 on their weekly Podcast. It’s as if you have a library of professional authors in your own home! Even better than the local librarian, and sometimes even me LOL (I’m a mighty book reader–ask my girls, mashaAllah, God has willed).
9. Family-Fun, Educational, Relaxing, Challenging Products too! I can not begin to tell you what a difference these Yoga Pretzels cards has done for our lives. Man, I haven’t done Yoga in so long, I had to search my own archives to find that free resource I used “regularly”. Anyways, my youngest daughter and I participated in a field day with ~20 7 year olds, and one 20-minute session was using these fabulous cards. We had a blast, relaxing, stretching, and quietly energizing ourselves for the rest of the day’s activities. Little did we know, last year–that they were Barefoot Books.
10. Read One Book and You Too Will Want to Live Barefoot!

Explore. Imagine. Create. Connect. Give Back. That’s what Barefoot Books is all about. It’s exploring other cultures, our planet, ourselves. It’s making time for make-believe and letting imaginations run wild and free. Most of all, it’s about using the power of stories to nourish the creative spark in everyone and strengthen connections with family, the global community, and the earth.

Bonus 11.

I guess, I’m in for slipping in one more of everything.

11. Barefoot Books Promotes Literary (obviously) and Charitable Causes, and Green Living. When given the chance to review their products, I immediately wanted to know more about the PBS Kids Global Gift Package.

PBS KIDS and Barefoot Books are committed to guiding kids on their own special journey of discovery and growth. So reach into your eco-bag and get ready for an adventure with your little explorer! In these paperback Barefoot Books, children learn to count in Swahili, learn to speak Spanish in Mexico and are introduced to the gods and goddesses of ancient Egypt. $5.00 from the sale of this product goes to support PBS. Your purchase helps PBS KIDS provide opportunities for all children – from every walk of life – to explore and grow.

Featuring paperback editions of Off We Go to Mexico, We All Went on Safari, and We’re Sailing Down the Nile.

To purchase Barefoot Books

Have a grand ‘ol time, searching for the right selection of starter books by checking out the main site here.

Oh, and they’re hosting their Winter Sale right now: 60% off until February 8, 2011!

Start a home-based business

• Earn commissions from 20-40% of retail value, plus loyalty points.
• Market Barefoot Books online
  Promote Barefoot through websites, blogs or social networks and earn 20-40%.
• Create fundraising opportunities
  Earn 50% and free shipping on all orders over $500.

Ponn…You started another side-job!? Well, no. As an affiliate marketer, I’m simply choosing to promote Barefoot Books online with these nifty affiliate buttons and links; which in turn helps me have some extra cash to buy Barefoot products at a discount. No inventory. No hassle. I do have an awesome home library collection started though! And, you can too.

Enter to Win one $25 Barefoot Books eGift Card!

Deadline date: Thursday, February 3, 2011 at 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time.

Contest Rules

• You must adhere to all the rules as stated. Shall a winner be chosen who did not complete this one simple rule, he/she will not be eligible to win. It’s only fair.

You must visit Barefoot Books and tell us if what products you’d get if you won $25 e-gift card. TIP: You can get the PBS Global Kids Pack & a ‘lil something, or the Yoga Pretzels & a book. Your choice.

• For additional entries, you may chose to complete any one, or all of the below actions. You must write a separate comment for each additional entry you complete below. (A winner is chosen by the number of comments, not the number of actions taken.)

• Follow Barefoot Books on Twitter @LiveBarefoot
• Become a Barefoot Books Facebook Fan Page
• Subscribe to Barefoot Books Podcast.
• Follow  American Muslim Mom on Twitter (@ponnsabra).
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• Tweet about this contest with @ponnsabra or Retweet this post with the above RT button.  You may tweet up to once a day, but don’t forget to comment below with the new tweet link. Suggested tweet:

RT @ponnsabra GIVEAWAY! $25 eGift card for @liveBarefoot Books! http://bit.ly/gzvBUn Ends 2/3/11 Pls RT

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• FunBrain – Educational Games

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Top Ten Reasons Why Barefoot Books Rocks! Review and Giveaway is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

Hi, I’m GiGi and I would like to tell you guys about a website called FunBrain. I like FunBrain because in the Playground you can play fun games, and pick any game you want (not all are learning games).

But, in the Arcade you are playing something like a board game. So, when you play a game; you have to win or you can’t go to the next game.

This is the same in the Math Arcade, except that all the games you play are Math.

Then, there is Reading. Reading has really fun Mad Libs games.

If you really like a game, you can go to “All Games” and pick a game from ALL the games including the games in the Arcade and Math Arcade. I think the best games to play are the learning games.

So go to FunBrain.com today!

Please share what you think of this site below!

FunBrain – Educational Games is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

I was looking for more Arabic games, and one game had a picture of the masjid. I asked my dad “What masjid is this?” He saw the name of the masjid and he searched on google and found it. And, then I was thinking of searching for the most beautiful masajids (mosques) in the world. And, I found these three websites:

• 100 Beautiful Mosque Pictures Around the World
• 40 Most Beautiful Mosques Around the World
• Beautiful Mosques From Around The World

My favorite masjid is in Maldives from the first link. It’s my favorite because it doesn’t have any domes and I like blue and white. It’s a nice color together.

I didn’t know where Maldives was, so I searched on Google Images and found this map. Maldives is an island in Indian Ocean, next to India and Sri Lanka.

What’s your favorite masjid? Why? And, where is it located? Please let me know.

Most Beautiful Masajid (Mosques) in the World is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

Inventions in the Hospital, from vaccinations, sucher thread, medicinal capsules and surgical needles were all invented by Muslims. The “Dark Ages” brought to light!

Please watch this video and keep reading:

Science Museum BBC

Must watch 1001 Inventions video

To learn more about the 1001 Inventions exhibit, click here. They don’t give access to download their video, so you have to watch it at their website…but, you MUST watch it and let us know what you think below.

What would it take to ever get this exhibit here in the States? Or, better yet, how could we get our hands on this textbook!?

Inquiring minds want to know…

1001 Inventions – The Truth of Golden Age of Muslim Civilization is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

CT Old State House just announced their next Children’s Program. My girls are terribly upset that we have a schedule conflict for the upcoming Women In History (American Revolutionary War) because they had a blast at the two programs they participated in February.

Both program were so incredibly fun (and educational) that the girls told the organizers and me that they want to host an Eid Party there! The girls shared what Eid is, and I shared how Big of a compliment it is for OSH; because we go all out for our 3-4 day festivities (depending which Eid it is) with parties, carnivals, field trips, dinners, tons of gifts, and family visitations. Having attended a couple of less than exciting Eid parties or events in the past (none of which I organized, of course), my girls have high standards for good quality fun.

And, yes, those three interested beauties listening politely on the flyer are our girls. The littlest one said, “Mama, I was taking tons of notes during that session on the scavenger hunt too!” Click here for the OSH Women In History Prg flyer

When: March 31, 2010 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Participants should arrive by 10 a.m. for the start of the activities.

Program Details: Participants meet Connecticut women who made a difference- like Revolutionary War publisher Hannah Watson and suffragette Frances Ellen Burr. Enjoy a variety of activities and crafts that will immerse kids in the past.

Cost: $5 per child (includes admission).

* Pre-registration is encouraged as there is limited space. Call 860-522-6766, ext. 11 to sign up today!

CT Old State House Women In History Interactive Kids Program is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

Hope Home Schooling is going on well. Let me make a confession to you:

I am enjoying every bit of homeschooling, including the preschooler’s “drama”, the Kindergartener’s whining and the first grader’s “all-of-a sudden” independence. Besides, I am learning a lot! I never took Geography in Nigeria, never!

I had the option of choosing Geography or English Literature. I chose the latter without qualms. And I enjoyed every bit of Literature.

But it is now, in my old age, that I am beginning to appreciate the beauty in Geography, through reading and activities in my first grader’s books. Subhanallaah.

Through educating my kids at home, I have discovered that I am also re-educating myself and gaining cultural competency about other countries in our world.

Last December, my kids and I attended a kids’ pre-exhibition on Timbuktu in Mali. The pre-exhibition took place at one of the ten public libraries in Raleigh, North Carolina. It was an eye opener not only for my kids but for me.

I knew from the on start that Mali is a Muslim country. But one thing I was ignorant about was the fact that Mali is one of the countries on earth that has a wealth of Islamic scholarship in terms of education and life enriching experiences. Besides their local languages, they also speak French, which is one of my favorite languages. Just in a day, my knowledge about Geography increased and my horizons were definitely expanded.

In life, there are challenges here and there. We cannot hide from there.

It is not the challenge that actually matters though. It is how we see it and tackle it that matters most.

Yes, homeschooling can pose its own challenges, upon the challenges of motherhood and parenthood. However, it can be very successful, refreshing, and enjoyable when it is not seen as a strenuous daily chore but as a privilege and gift that Allah has blessed us with.

What keeps me going is the flexibility in our home, the joy I see in my kids’ eyes, the ability for me and my hubby to do this homeschooling, and most importantly, the legacy my late parents laid down for me and my siblings. The legacy is nothing but education.

So, keep up the good work and stay refreshed.

Past articles by Maryam include:

• Siwak/Miswak: The Natural Mouth Freshener
• Community Service in the Life of Abu Bakr As-Siddiq

Maryam Funmilayo is a homeschool mum of four (ages 7, 5, 2.5 years old and an 8 months old), pursuing a Master of Science degree in Nutrition. An accomplished freelance writer, Maryam particularly enjoys writing on-assignment because she loves the challenge of impressing her clients for repeat business. Please comment below to share your views on today’s post, or email her directly at mfunmilayo<at>yahoo.com

A True Confession from a New Homeschooling Mum is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

Teaching Figurative Language to Kids

This is our first attempt to have a group homeschool project online for our kids, in which we’d like to showcase our kid’s work on one particular topic at a time. This group homeschool project topic is “Figurative Language”. Figurative Language is different sayings that do not express its literal meaning.

Below are some types of figurative language, definitions, examples, websites and pictures we drew to help learn about this topic. We’d like to welcome other children to draw funny figurative languages examples, you can scan and email the picture to us, or post them on your blog and trackback to this original post or comment below.

• Funny Idioms by Kids

An idiom is is a combination of words that sound idiotic, but the meanings are typically popular and well-known by native speakers. Non-native speakers (foreigners) find them very difficult to understand.

Online Idiom game.

Examples include: icing on the cake, is there a frog in your throat, dead meat.

• Complete List of Oxymoron

An oxymoron is a phrase in which two words that typically contradicts themselves (good & bad, ugly & pretty) are used together to stress the point of the speaker.

Examples include: all alone, wise fool, awfully nice, legal murder.

• Onomatopoeia

Onomatopoeia is a word used to make a “sound”.

Examples include: meow, woof, bang, tick-tock.

• Simile

Simile is comparing two things using the words “like” or “as”.

Examples include: his nose is as cold as ice, the girl ran like a cheetah.

• Metaphor

Metaphor is a comparison between two things using descriptive or symbolic words without using the words “like” or “as”.

Examples include: My bike is my magical carpet, Juliet (from “Romeo & Juliet”) is the sun.

• Hyperbole

A Hyperbole is a deliberate and obvious exaggeration to stress your point.

Examples include: The oven must be set at 1000 degrees! I could eat a 100, or 1,000,000 of these!

• Personification

Personification is giving life-like qualities to non-living things; making a something ‘like’ a person.

Examples include: The teapot sang & whistled, the printer ate my paper!

We had a ton of fun working on this project one evening. Please join the fun! Grab your crayons, markers and pencils and send your drawing to us via email, or post on your blog & comment below with the link!

Teaching Kids Idioms, Oxymorons, Onomatopoeia & More is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

Jazaka Allahu Khayrun for the sister who researched & compiled this incredibly comprehensive list of homeschooling resources (or educational materials). Allah ye ticki afia/May Allah reward her with rest.

Please note: I have not researched every single site, so proceed with caution.

Download Free Posters from Virtual Gettysburg
http://www.virtualgettysburg.com/sup…cation/poster/

Free Water Education Posters
http://water.usgs.gov/outreach/OutReach.html

Free Braille Alphabet Card
http://www.afb.org/braillebug/Braille.asp

Free Colgate Teachers Kit
http://www.colgatebsbf.com/teachers/tch_kits.asp

Free Educational Publications from the Federal Reserve
http://app.ny.frb.org/publications/result.cfm?comics=1

Free Second Hand Smoke Posters
http://www.epa.gov/smokefree/publications.html

Free Game printables (some are for sale, but the ones
on this page
are free)
http://www.gigglygames.net/freebies.htm

Mom’s Minivan Travel Games and Activities
http://www.momsminivan.com/

Building Blocks for a Healthy Future storybook,
coloring book, and
more
http://store.health.org/buildingblocks/default.aspx

Free things from Congress.
http://www.yourcongress.com/quickfree.asp

Register for periodic freebies from Crayola
http://www.crayola.com/registration/

2 Free books (fossils & dinosaurs)
http://geology.er.usgs.gov/eastern/fossils.html

Royal & Langnickel art samples for Educators
http://www.royalbrush.com/ver3/student/question.htm

Free music cds from our military bands
http://bandtek.com/free-cds/

Free Posters: Explore the facets of the Earth
http://eospso.gsfc.nasa.gov/

TONS of free printables for Teachers and Parents
www.thevirtualvine.

Learn to Write…Free Tracing Paper
http://www.mymoondrops.com/spelling.html

Free Sample Issue of HSE Magazine!
http://homeschoolenrichment.com/

Free Natural Gas Materials
http://www.nef1.org/order_new.html

Free Fire Safety Posters, Reports and Publications
from the USFA
http://www.usfa.fema.gov/applications/publications/

Free Educational printables about Peanuts
http://aboutpeanuts.com/educ.html

A Free Hazardous Waste Cleanup and Prevention Poster!
http://www.epa.gov/superfund/kids/poster.htm

Free Poster – The poster features lists of Summertime
Favorites, 300
classic books for young readers, and the We the People
Bookshelf
on “Freedom,” 15 books selected by NEH that explore
the idea
of “freedom.”
http://www.neh.gov/posterrequest.asp

Free Potato Educational Materials
http://potatoes.com/educational-hardcopy.cfm

Free PCs in Space CD-ROM for teachers or students.
This is a great
program! It has games and my kids absolutely love
playing them and
learning their planets and how to use the computer
also!
http://pcsinspace.hst.nasa.gov/freecd.htm

Free board game for parents and educators.
Part of the Too Smart to Start program, this colorful
board game was
developed to help parents and young people aged 9 to
13 talk about
underage alcohol use, why it’s not smart, and how to
prevent it.
Goals for the game include increasing the number of
conversations
about the harm of underage alcohol use and increasing
the percentage
of children and adults who view underage alcohol use
as harmful. The
game can be played with two to six players, but works
best when both
youth and adults play.
http://store.health.org/catalog/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductID=16691

Free recess kits
This site is having a rescue recess campaign(rescue
recess week is
Sept.18-22nd) and they will send out recess kits that
include posters
and jump ropes and a playground ball and whistle and
more at
http://www.cartoonrecessweek.com/

Reading club that gives Pizza Hut coupons as rewards.
For schools or
home schoolers
http://www.bookitprogram.com/default.asp

Kids Earn Prizes for Reading. For teachers and
students.
http://bookadventure.com/

Free Book “Chicken Soup For The Preteen Soul”
http://www.chickensoup.com/Pre-Teen/order_form2.html

Free George Washington kit for teachers
http://www.georgewashington.si.edu/k…cherguide.html

The History Channel *Save our History* free manuals
http://www.historychannel.com/classroom/flag_form.html

FREE Earth/Mars Comparison poster / teachers &
homeschoolers
http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/classroom/earthMarsForm.html

Free Dole 5 A Day Educational for Teachers/Schools CD
Roms/Cassettes/Cookbooks
http://www.dole5aday.com/Teachers/Cl…ials.jsp#cdrom

FREE Life in the Forest Educational Material
http://www.internationalpaper.com/Ou…est/index.html

Free coloring books, pamplets etc about Inuit
community
http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/ks/12050_e.html

Free “Science & Our Food Supply” kit – teachers
(Middle- High School)
http://www.nsta.org/fdacurriculum

Free Stuff for Educators
http://www.kalama.com/~zimba/freeforteachers.htm

Educational Online Activities and Printables for
teachers, parents
and students.

1. Printable Tracer Pages. Type in the words/phrases
you like and
this program turns the words into dashed lines for
kids to trace
over.
http://www.kidzone.ws/tracers/ocean/tracer-form.asp
2. Kidzone.com printable pages. Pre-K thru 6th grade.
http://www.kidzone.ws/
3. Make your own Word Search puzzles. Just delete
their word list and
add your own! We survived on this during the summer!
http://www.superkids.com/aweb/tools/words/search/
4. Other vocabulary games.
http://www.superkids.com/aweb/tools/words/
5. The best kids educational printables site. (Home
Page)
http://www.superkids.com/aweb/tools/
6. Great Kid’s Printable Craft site. When you need
ideas…this is
the place to go!
http://www.dltk-kids.com/
7. Kid’s Click. A great web search for kid’s.
http://www.kidsclick.org/
8. Puzzlemaker web site for Parents/Teachers.
http://puzzlemaker.school.discovery.com/
9. Enchanted Learning. You can get lost on this site
for days! Very
cool. (They have a place to donate money to their
site, but it’s
totally free)
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/Home.html
10. Free Smokey the Bear Stuff for kids. (Free
printables.)
Click on the bottom that says resources. Items it
includes are:
Smokey Bear Teacher’s Guide
Smokey Bear Activity Book
Smokey Bear Kid’s Poster
Wildland Communicator’s Guide
Smokey Bear Style Guide
Logo’s with Smokey the Bear.
http://www.smokeybear.com/

Online Study Guides:

http://www.sparknotes.com/
Free study guides in a wide range of subjects. Also
includes a
valuable Test Prep section.

http://www.bookrags.com/
Free study guides in many subjects, specializing in
Science,
Literature, and History. BookRags features an online
essay editing
service (fee required) and free articles on better
essay writing.

http://www.studygs.net/
Free study guides and general learning tips available
in multiple
languages.

http://www.pinkmonkey.com/index2.asp
Literary study guides. Note: About half of these are
completely free,
while others are only available for purchase from
their online store.
It is difficult to tell which is which until you try
to access it.

Test Prep:

http://quizhub.com/quiz/quizhub.cfm Free online
quizzes in many
categories and subjects.

http://www.testprepreview.com/ Free practice tests
(SAT, ACT, LSAT,
etc.) as well as free articles and tips on test
preparation and
taking.

Free Rocketry CD for Teachers
http://nar.org/teachercd.html

Lysol kids activity book
http://www.lysol.com/topic_fun.shtml

Free kit for teachers to teach students about how the
post office
works. From the USPS.
The direct number to order WEE Deliver is
1-888-332-0317. The kit
includes an instruction video, mail satchel, cardboard
sorter, and
other misc. supplies.

Free Share The World Kit & Video For
Teachers.http://www.sharetheworld.com/

Diabetic Eye Disease: An Educator’s Guide
http://catalog.nei.nih.gov/productcart/pc/mainIndex.asp

Olympic-themed lesson plans
http://www2.edgate.com/summergames/

Free Arbor Day Video and Teacher Materials
http://www.arborday.org/kids/

Teachers: Free Hands on Plastics™ (HOP) science
education
investigation kits
http://www.teachingplastics.org/

It’s O.K. to Spray! – education about aerosol cans
(teacher/home
schooler kit)
http://www.nocfcs.org/scc/kitrequest.asp

Freebies online galore! is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

Passed on…

For several years now, I have been using a
great resource for literture called Cyberguides. They
are done by the San Diego County Office of Education. Teachers have developed
these lesson plans for K-12 that utilize internet-based activities that related
to several popular pieces of children’s literature. They are divided by age
level and they are great. I love them and my kids love them. Check them
out.

Cyberguides is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

Passed on…JAK Sister!

Hi Everyone! Thought I’d share this list
of virtual field trips….I have many others but these are some of our
favorites.

Enjoy!

http://www.thinkport.org/Classroom/trips.tp a listing of virtual field trips

http://www.bearcountryusa.com/tour.asp Drive thru animal park

http://bouldericecream.com/tour.htm Tour of a small ice cream factory

http://www.ecoed.org/index.cfm Tour of wild animals in Ontario Canada

http://jellybelly.com/Cultures/en-US/Fun/Tours/Virtual+Tour.htm a tour of the Jelly Belly jelly bean factory

http://website1.com/odyssey/ Odyssey in Egypt field trip

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/pyramid/explore/khufuenter.html Pyramids field trip

http://www.tomsofmaine.com/about/tour_factory.asp Toothpaste factory tour

http://www.whitehouse.gov/history/whtour/index.html Tour the White House

http://www.theconstitutional.com/tour.php Take the Constitutional Woalking Tour of Philedelphia

http://geology.wr.usgs.gov/docs/parks/mojave/mojaveft.html Tour of the Mojave

http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/immigration/tour/index.htm Ellis Island tour from Scholastic

http://www.hersheys.com/discover/tour_video.asp Hershey’s making chocolate tour

http://www.thebeijingguide.com/badaling/index.html Great Wall of China tour

http://www.mda.state.mi.us/kids/pictures/rachel.html Dairy Farm

http://explorer.monticello.org/index.html Tour Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson

http://www.mountvernon.org/virtual/index.cfm/ss/29//cfid/5816670/cftoken/78983216 Mount Vernon, home of George Washington

http://www.plimoth.org/OLC/index_js2.html# Visit The first Thanksgiving

Virtual Field Trips – Comprehensive list is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

Jazaka Allahu Khayrun to the sister who researched & compiled this homeschooling (or educational) freebies list for us!

Please note: I have not researched every single site, so proceed with caution.

************************

http://www.adrianbruce.com/reading/posters/index.htm Free phonics posters!!!

http://www.adrianbruce.com/index.html other freebies from Adrian Bruce, a teacher in Australia who loves to share!!!

http://www.ed.gov/inits/americareads/kids.html Arthur reading kit from America Reads

http://www.ed.gov/inits/americareads/spidey/index.html Spider Man Reading kit from America Reads

http://www.udel.edu/ETL/RWN/POPindex.html Reading Readiness Activities

http://chumby.dlib.vt.edu/melissa/posters/posterset.html Social studies curriculum resources–printable posters for grades K-3

http://www.fema.gov/kids/freebie.htm Disaster Kids educational materials can be ordered from FEMA, USGS, NOAA National Weather Service, and EPA. All addresses are on the website with ordering information.

http://www.usmint.gov/kids/index.cfm?fileContents=htmlIndex.cfm U.S. Mint website games and other activities for money education

http://www.moneyfactory.gov/newmoney/main.cfm/learning/download U.S. Bureau of Engraving website on money education, including lesson plans, posters, interactive $10, $20, and $50 notes.

http://science.education.nih.gov/women/index.html Great video programs (currently out of stock) on women in health career fields. Posters are also available.

http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/default.htm Federal Citizen Information Center There are several publications that are free on this website–go to education and see a FREE book on exploring federal lands.

http://www.tufts.edu/as/wright_center/svl/posters/posts.html Free posters from the Wright Center for Science Education. You must snail mail for these posters and ordering information is on the website. There are beautiful posters on the Human Genome, Cosmic Evolution, Earth Anatomy, etc.

http://www.blm.gov/education/00_resources/articles/mojave/index.html resources for teching about American desserts–including a poster of the Mojave.

http://topex-www.jpl.nasa.gov/education/poster.html materials for teaching about oceans. Includes cd-roms, posters, games.

http://www.thankscompany.com/pages/posters.shtml printable posters for volunteering.

http://www.yourchildlearns.com/farm_act.htm Make a farm downloadable software

http://www.yourchildlearns.com/town_act.htm make a town

http://www.yourchildlearns.com/vill_act.htm make a village

http://www.yourchildlearns.com/castle.htm make a castle,

http://www.yourchildlearns.com/heraldry.htm and then make shields, etc.

http://www.yourchildlearns.com/lettersounds.htm letter sounds free software

http://www.yourchildlearns.com/learnletters.htm learn letters

http://www.yourchildlearns.com/megamaps.htm maps

Map puzzles software:

http://www.yourchildlearns.com/us_features.htm

http://www.yourchildlearns.com/features.htm

http://www.yourchildlearns.com/monuments.htm

http://www.yourchildlearns.com/puzzle_us.htm

http://www.yourchildlearns.com/puzzle_mea.htm

http://www.yourchildlearns.com/puzzle_eur.htm

http://www.yourchildlearns.com/puzzle_sam.htm

http://www.yourchildlearns.com/puzzle_aus.htm

http://www.yourchildlearns.com/puzzle_afr.htm

http://www.yourchildlearns.com/puzzle_mea.htm

http://www.yourchildlearns.com/puzzle_con.htm

http://www.yourchildlearns.com/puzzle_asia.htm

http://www.yourchildlearns.com/puzzle_cam.htm

http://www.familygames.com/freelane.html Lots of free downloadable games on geography, puzzles, strategy games, word puzzles, etc.

http://www.rayslearning.com/lettersa.htm Free Letters and numbers software

http://fusioned.gat.com/free.html educational materials covering Fusion (the reaction in which two atoms of hydrogen combine together, or fuse, to form an atom of helium)

http://www.nsc.org/ehc/rad/radbroch.htm Nuclear Science and understanding radiation

http://www.timesaversforteachers.com/ Tons of printables for educators!!

http://www.koko.org/kidsclub/teachers/ Free curriculum materials for teaching about Gorillas

http://www.storylineonline.net/ Hear stories read online by members of the screen actors guild (Jason Alexander, Camryn Manheim, etc.)

http://www.primarygames.com/holidays/new_years/crafts.htm free printable elementary school calendar to color.

http://www.benjerry.com/fun_stuff/papercrafts/ a free new England village to print and build, a baloon mobile, and a cow–from Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream

http://www.makingbooks.com/projects.html directions for making several books with children.

http://www.cartoonster.com/ great site for learning about cartooning

http://clothdollconnection.com/FreePatterns.html FREE patterns for making cloth dolls

http://www.webspawner.com/users/pumpkintwopost/ tons of free posters

http://www.cabelasiditarod.com/poster_contact.html Get a free 2007 Iditarod poster from Cabella’s–they also have lesson plans that go along with the race.

http://www.poets.org/page.php/prmID/41 The Academy of American Poets distributes the National Poetry Month poster (April) for the current year FREE to educators.

http://www.healthypotato.com/nutrition_plan.asp from the United States Potato Board, lessons, poster, etc. about potato nutrition

http://www.ksgrains.com/corn/edu.html Kansas Corn Learning Center

http://www.nutritionexplorations.org/educators/main.asp fun activities for nutrition education

http://www.4tests.com/ Take practice for SAT, ACT, GED, etc.

http://www.capilano.com.au/education/index.aspx learn about honey bees

http://www.sunkist.com/kids/pandt/ activities and lessons from Sunkist fruit

http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/np/shopcart/shopcartintro.html publication from USDA entitled Science in Your Shopping Cart

http://depts.washington.edu/ceeh/Outreach/ecb.html Essentials of Cell Biology cd-rom

http://www.cloroxclassrooms.com/ get a free classroom kit from Clorox

http://www.cbs.com/primetime/numb3rs/ti/ Curriculum from Texas Instruments using the TV show “Numbers”

http://www.dissectionalternatives.org/ FREE copy of Digital Frog 2 the dissection alternative

http://www.internationalpaper.com/Our%20Company/Learning%20Center/Life%20Of%20The%20Forest/index.html Life of the Forest educational materials from International Paper

http://www.homesofourown.org/default.asp Build a home in this simulation game from the National Association of Home Builders.

http://www.peachtree-online.com/Kids/TeachersGuide.html Teacher Guides for Peachtree Publishers Books

http://www.failurefree.com/p_overview.htm Free online demo of literacy material for not-yet readers

http://www.breadworld.com/justkids/school.asp Three lesson plan books using bread baking from Fleischman’s Yeast

http://www.aplusmath.com/Flashcards/Flashcard_Creator.html Free Math flashcards creator

http://www.teachingteens.com/index2.htm Teaching teens about puberty and menstration

http://www.educationassociates.com/Survey.html career education and life skills book from Education Associates

http://teacher.scholastic.com/index.asp educational materials and lesson plans from Scholastic

http://www.mysterynet.com/learn/ Free lesson plans, ideas, and online mysteries to teach critical thinking and reading comprehension

http://www.educationalpress.org/educationalpress/ Print free word lists, flash cards, bingo cards, etc.

http://www.microsoft.com/education/lessonplans.mspx lesson plans from Microsoft

http://www.annenbergclassroom.org/Default.aspx Receive a free dvd of the May, 2006

http://www.justicelearning.org/ Civic eduation int he real world. Conversation between students and Supreme Court Justices Stephen Breyer, Anthony Kennedy and Sandra Day O’Connor discussing the Constitution among other things

http://www.imagisoft.com/wizard.htm a digital coloring program that stimulates childrens’ perceptions of light, shade, color harmony, shape and depth. A trial version of this program, complete with six images to colour, may be ordered at no cost

http://www.wxdude.com/ Tons of free weather activities/lessons from Weather Channel meteorologist Nick Walker

http://www.vpw.com/ LARGE number of free sponsored educational videos and print materials to schools, educators and yough group leaders throughout the United States. All you must do to receive these materials is register as a member (which is also free).

http://www.wordcommand.com/wordoftheday.htm Sign up for their free Word of the Day email service

http://www97.intel.com/discover/JourneyInside/TJI_TOC/default.aspx The Journey Inside^SM is a collection of interactive resources to answer commonly asked questions about technology.

http://www.epa.gov/kids/ great lessons on environmental education from the epa

http://www.sf.pii.orders.com/commoncents/ Program from State Farm Insurance that teaches all about introducing good money habits in a fun, memorable way to kids from kindergarten to 12th grade

http://www.freekidsmusic.com/ This is the place for great free songs for kids! Download all the terrific children’s songs you want to. There are no guarantees how long any of them will be here, so grab them while you can. Have fun exploring!! And don’t forget to click on the artists’ names to visit their web sites!

To receive a Underwriter’s Laboratory Safety Awareness Wristband (while quantities last), send a self-addressed stamped envelope to:
Underwriters Laboratories Inc.
“I Am Safety Smart”
333 Pfingsten Road
Northbrook, Illinois 60062

http://www.justchoices.com/ FREE social justice curriculum entitled “Just Choices” Through this program, students will learn how their everyday choices affect others in society and will be inspired to take on issues with passionate civic engagement.

http://www.sharetheworld.com/index.html Share the World is a free educational program designed to help your students better understand and appreciate the animals with whom we share our world. In the reproducible activities that form the heart of this program, your students will use their thinking and writing skills to imagine the feelings and consider the incredible abilities of other animals, examine how our relationships with them have changed through history, discover alternatives to their use, and respond to situations in which their well-being is threatened.

http://www.aywregistration.com/ free animation/character education program from Cartoon Network

http://www.a-three.us/starbright/default.html This is a free game to teach children with asthma about asthma in a fun way.

Attention, ocean creatures! Life originated in the ocean, and all occupants of this planet, including humans, are still marine creatures. That’s because the survival of life on land and at sea depends on healthy oceans. And that’s why One Earth, One Ocean, One Life – our interactive CD-ROM – explores the world’s underwater wonders and our need to protect them. To request a copy, CONTACT: WILD Education, Canadian Wildlife Federation, 350 Michael Cowpland Drive, Kanata, Ontario K2M 2W1 OR E-mail: info@…

http://www.angelfire.com/biz/kinderactive/ Receive a a copy of Kinderactive’s next product, when you fill out their marketing survey, from Kinderactive.
http://rochester100.com/index.jsp?action=show_teacher Get free samples of folders, sheet protectors, stick on holders, and mini-wallets.

http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/canwaters-eauxcan/bbb-lgb/club/index_e.asp Join the Water Wizards and receive membership card, nickname, certificate, and a goody package, for kids 8-15.

http://www.seagrant.wisc.edu/kidsteachers/bookmarkorders/form_bookmarkorder_kids.asp Send a SASE and receive FREE bookmarks!!

http://www.osmre.gov/order1.htm receive free posters, videos, etc. about surface mining

http://www.helios.gr/dis/rhodes/artgallery/form.htm Get a free poster of a Greek painter

http://www.epa.gov/owow/estuaries/kids/site/poster.htm free posters on estuaries

http://www.ec.gc.ca/water/en/info/pubs/e_teach.htm free environmental education materials

http://www.mathprojects.com/lessons.asp free math lesson plans

http://www.tolerance.org/teach/resources/childrens_march.jsp Tolerance education

http://www.dole5aday.com/Teachers/ClassroomResources/Materials/OrderFormDetails.jsp?topmenu=1 Dole 5-a-day teaching materials

http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/osw/kids/ppcform.htm Planet Protectors–environmental education

http://www.esbnyc.com/kids/kids_coloringpages.cfm?CFID=210368&CFTOKEN=6536289 free coloring pages from the Empire State Building

http://www.aztecafoods.com/kidsclub/index.html Join the Azteca Kid’s Club

http://www.signaturebrands.com/cake_mate/cmbdayclub.html Join the Cake Mate Birthday Club

http://www.bowater.com/en/education.shtml Resources to learn about paper making and instructions to make your own paper.

http://www.mcgruff.org/order.htm Get a set of free McGruff the Crimefighting Dog trading cards.

http://www.cooltoys.com/free-srv.html free toys. Send a SASE

http://www.candybarwrapper.com/kidswrapper.html You’ve seen the customized candy wrappers–now make your own!! Your child can create his/her own customized candy bar wrapper!!!

http://www.dvd2vu.com/DVD2Critic.asp?source=CRFamilytv1# You will receive a movie that is good for a one-time viewing. You will then critique the movie.

http://www.asahq.org/patientEducation/MyTrip.pdf Coloring book for a trip to the hospital

http://www.pppst.com/games.html free online games

Free, 32-page booklet about the American Flag
Send a postcard to
U.S. Marine Corps
Dept of the Navy, Washington, D.C. 20380
Ask for:
How to Respect and Display our Flag Booklet

http://forumancientcoins.com/forvm/Articles/Ancient_Coins_For_Schools_Form.html free ancient coins

http://www.homeschoolinglibrary.com/homeschool_free_help_teleseminar.htm free home schooling teleseminars

http://www.phil.frb.org/education/fedtoday.html history of the Federal Reserve

http://www.lbl.gov/MicroWorlds/teachers/teacherpack.html

http://www.savethemanatee.org/edmat.htm save the Manatees educational resources

http://www.wrinstitute.org/ The Will Rogers Institute has several booklets available for free on topics such as stress, asthma, exercise, nutrition, etc.

http://www.charlesedisonfund.org/Experiments/experiments.html The purpose of the Science Teaching Experiments is to stimulate an interest in science and technology among elementary school students through easy to perform experiments in basic scientific concepts.

Triggering Positive Health Choices,” a free videotape and teacher’s guide to help kids learn about peer pressure and decision-making, is available from Met Life, Health and Safety Education, One Madison Ave., New York, NY 10010-3690.

http://www.postalmuseum.si.edu/educators/PostalPack.pdf National Postal Museum’s Postal Pack

Children’s book author Jan Brett has a special free packet for teachers and librarians. Request your packet by writing to Jan Brett, P.O. Box 366, Norwell, MA 02061.

http://papertoys.com/ many different toys to print

http://www.life.uiuc.edu/plantbio/cell/ this is a virtual cell–you can disect, look under a microscope, etc.

http://www.consumerfed.org/consumerinf.cfm The Consumer Federation of America has severl PDF guides–including one entitled “Teaching Your Children How to Save & Spend” that is perfect for teaching teens about spending/saving.

http://www.yo-yo.com/teachers_section/teach_index.html How fun to learn physics, etc. through using a yo-yo.

http://www.cotton.org/pubs/cottoncounts/resources.cfm PDF documents to help in learning about cotton

http://www.teachcoal.org/teacherstore/index.html American Coal Foundation materials for teaching about coal, including a sample kit of different types of coal.

If you would like to receive a free “bottle cap yo-yo” project sheet and illustrated instructions to make this great toy, Send a LARGE self addressed stamped envelope to: Bottle Cap Yo-Yo Sheet
c/o of Recreational Recycling
9318 Bay Vista Estates Blvd
Orlando, Florida 32836

http://www.deltacrafts.com/Projects/ Delta Crafts have tons of projects on their website…project sheets are free

Comprehensive freebies list online! is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

Education is what remains after one has forgotten everything he learned from school.
~ Albert Einstein

=> Thankfully our girls are not in “school”…ha ha hee hee

The only person who is educated is the one who has learned how to learn and change.
~ Carl Rogers

=> We lay the foundation by giving them resources and research skills, and together we’re all learning and growing as a family. What’s not to love?

Education is not the filling of a pail but the lighting of a fire.
~ W.B. Yeats

=> Through enthusiasm and love, I feel blessed that our girls never get bored of learning!

By educating our girls at home, one amazing thing is how they’re the ones pushing us for more…more books, more projects, more “family time” etc.

And, “family time” to them is doing anything “together as a family”. This is truly amazing, becuase we do everything together as a family…we are inseparable compared to all our friends and family…and yet they want more!

We eat, sing, dance, shop, read, watch movies, play cards (our newest passion: Go Fish, Memory Match, Old Maid & Crazy Eights)…We’re constantly doing art projects, coloring, and we have to make at least 1 meal or dessert a day…this just blows my mind!

Even during “quiet time”, they want us to be with them: playing computer games with them, coloring with them, sitting on our naps while watching TV…really playing with their toys with them.

And, as girls…they never stop talking, asking questions, debating, etc.!

Yet, I still wonder why I’m so exhausted at the end of the day when I only homeschool the girls…

Home education quotes and reflections is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

We had a blast on Monday at the Toledo Home Education League of Parents (H.E.L.P.)’s Not-Back-To-School Picnic!

Fox News showed up [we missed the 4pm broadcast ], we took pictures of the 30+ kids who actually stood still for a minute. [ At the busiest time, there had to be at least 50 kids. ]

I proudly recruited 3 new families to become members. I’ve been a member for a year, and it is a great local homeschool organization.

There’s an extremely active Discussion Group [I can never keep up with their numerous posts. And, I subscribe to the "digest". Fortunately, these great parents appreciate me hopping in and out of the discussions as time allows.] .

But, I personally enjoy the monthly newsletter. It is JAM-packed with useful activities, tips, and discussions sent directly to my mailbox at home. All for $15.00 a year! What a bargain!

What I love the most of the parents I’ve meet so far, is that we’re all busy homeschooling parents who have crazy agendas and different schedules. We all fit in the activities that interests our own families, and participate whenever we can. There’s no pressure to do this or that, and we’ve only received warm greetings whenever we do show-up. My girls absolutely love every activity we went to, and I promised to be more active for them.

It’s great to know there’s a resource group to turn to for advice, a place to brainstorm, and have a support system whenever you need them. Join right now! And, please write a note or tell them I referred you!

Toledo Home Education League of Parents is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

So, everyone rants and raves about the Bob Books, by Bobby Lynn Maslen , but the girls and I are not taking too well to them.

So, through trail and error…here’s what we came up with as our recommended starting points for Beginning Readers.

Please share your opinions and recommendations in the comments section below…we’re open to trying everything and anything.

Please keep in mind, our girls are now 2, 4 and 5 years old, they each have different attention spans, interests and learning styles…so, since we just logged in our 30th hour of reading today at the library (and we just started July 5th) we’re avid readers at this house.

1. Dora the Explorer Phonics: 12 Book Reading Program They’re all into Dora…the familiar pictures, colors and themes keep our attention and we’re picking up words very easily.

2. A recommendation for Mem Fox, such as ‘Time for Bed’, A children’s author and literacy author….we got 3 of her books…and they are Gggggreatttt! I ordered a half-dozen more at the library. She’s called the”read-aloud lady”….promoting repetitive words and reading aloud from birth.

One warning: I read her books first, becuase a couple of them have some pages that I wouldn’t want my girls to read or even “joke” about.

For example, in her Boo to a Goose there’s a page where she says, I would run around with my pants down, but I wouldn’t say “boo” to a goose. Now, I wouldn’t want my girls to do that…not even to be “cute”.

We love Harriet, You’ll Drive Me Wild! becuase this is the kind of relationship I have with our preschooler.

3. I just came across Cathryn Falwell , by our youngest pulling off “P.J. & Puppy” about potty training by herself. I immediately ordered over a dozen of her books at the library lat night. We got “Nicky Loves Daddy”….she illustrates for her own books, and all 3 girls are really proud of themselves as they relate to her writing style, repetitive words and phrases, and her illustrations are so lovely.

I read she resides in my home state capitol of Hartford, CT, with her husband, 2 sons and their dog who inspired her to write “P.J. & Puppy”.

Ohhh….do I miss home. Being a native to my beloved Hartford (my home during grad school and when I was the City’s Deputy Health Director)…hits my heart passionately.

Geez…I’m such a “girl”!

4. Last but not least…the imfamous Dick and Jane books. The library doesn’t carry the little book series (like the Bob Books), only the hard cover older book editions…so I guess I’ll have to ultimately buy the 2 12-book series for $9.99 (with 20% educator’s discount)…but it’ll be well-worth the investment.

Our eldest and I read Books 1-3 at Barnes & Noble today…and she actually READ Book 4…all by herself. I pointed to the earlier books, showing her the pictures and themes to remember the previous words she just learned…but, honestly she READ Book 4 by herself!

Well, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

So, these series and authors are what we’re sticking with for awhile.

Oopps. (5) I’m reading American Girls (TM) books to them…just as FTI (For Their Information).

[Disclosure: we read anything and everything that crosses our path (such as newspapers, magazines, junk mail, etc. Therefore, these recommendations are for phonics, vocabulary building, and our reading lessons. I wholeheartedly agree with Mem Fox when she promotes reading aloud to children (babies) as much as possible.]

Happy Reading!

Recommendations for Beginning Readers is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

As I absolutely love blogging…I had to find a whole new voice, direction, and focus for us, as we make our “official” first-year’s journey through homeschooling here in the state of Ohio. ..Toledo to be more specific.

As I see huge difference in my raising girls than I would if I had boys…this changed our sub-title to “It’s a Girl-Thang! Homeschooling girls: tips, tools & resources…from birth and beyond (on a shoestring budget).”

The truth be told: my husband and I have been homeschooling our girls the moment they were born, and I don’t envision us stopping any time soon…that’s how I came with “from birth and beyond”.

Starting anew, will allow me to write naturally, and I’ll feel more comfortable that I have targeted opinions, tips, tools and resources for those looking for girl-thangs!

Don’t get me wrong…we plan on raising very worldly girls, so I will not be writing “girlY-things” per se.

It’s just that in raising them and letting them lead some of their education, interests, activities and desires…I realize that we will always have a “Girl-Thang” going on at this house. At least until a little dude comes around…if ever

Examples of “It’s a Girl-Thang”:
- As our eldest spent 2.5 hours at Safety Town each day for the past 9 days, she always shared her “new girl friend’s stories”. When asked if she has any friends who are boys, a quick “no” jumps out of her throat.

- As we walk down the aisles at the library or bookstores…you ONLY hear “Dora….princesses…Strawberry Shortcake!”

- When we shop for clothes, and in various tones of high-pitches you hear “awww….ahhh….howww cuuuute….ohhhh”.

That’s the “Girl-Thang” I’m talking about.

So, after a month of incredible swimming lessons, tomorrow’s graduation planned for Saftey Town…we’re planning a nice relaxed August before we start our long awaited dancing lessons in September.

Leotards and tutus are already hanging in our closets…and the girls are impatiently waiting for their very first ballet and tap shoes fitting.

To all homeschool girl…young and old–I, too, am a Girl-at-heart–we, Sabra Girls, are here for ya!

Peace-out!
Mama

P.S. While I’ll obviously share Toledo and Ohio-specific resources, hopefully these posts will empower you to find similar resources in your area, and cause you to still stick around. Afterall, our tone will always be from one (or 4) girl(s) to another!

P.P.S. We’re sticking to a shoestring budget too…utilizing the world wide web at our fingertips. Share your tips and resources often.

It’s a Girl-Thang! is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

Free for children entering Kindergarten.

City of Toledo
Town of Holland

Safety City Programs is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

This is such an exciting time for me and the girls.

Here’s some starting points, thanks to my dear friend and homeschool mentor, as she completed an extremely successful Kindergarten year with her daughter:

• Free Homeschool Tracker program
• Car schooling
• Alphabet Coloring Books
• Learning Pages

They’re screaming in the background and we have a full-day tomorrow…so off to bed we go…or at least attempt!

Kindergarten at Home is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

Should public libraries charge for the rental of movies and DVDs?

Check out the debate: Libraries increase DVDs stacks, add fees for movie watchers.

Now are some people just chosing to be cheap…and not renting elsewhere, taking away from the public’s right to free educational and entertaining resources of those who can NOT afford the luxury of movie rentals?

As a movie renter, I honestly do not turn to the library for New Releases…hence, I do not expect or want public libraries to start actively carrying them…just to cater to a movie frenzy and spending dollars I’d rather see them spend on educational materials for my homeschool girls, and the general public at large.

I grew up utilizing the vast educational resources of the public libraries and raising my girls the same way.

No doubt, I don’t just rent educational videos and DVDs. We get Disney full-featured films too…so, there is a place of entertaining videos…as books are the source of creativity, the arts and where true entertainment lies in the imagination of our own minds.

Please, let’s invest wisely.

Library Movies and DVDs is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

Woo hoo…our youngest pooped and peed in her training potty today. She actually enjoyed hangin out there and giving high-fives to everyone too. She’s 20 months old.

Our 4 year-old figured out addition and subtraction herself. It was way cool. She said, “Mama there’s five of us and when Baba goes to China (where he conducts business) then there’s only four of us”. We played with our family of five, added and subtracted and she actually got the concept without having to count every single person.

For example, she says if I go with Baba, then three of you are left at home. If we both come home then all five of us are together again. Aww…what a proud moment.

Our 4 year-old and 3 year-old got regular watches last month, even though our 4 year-old only knows how to tell digital time. I haven’t had a chance to teach her minutes, until today, I made a drawing of a clock with hours in the center, and minutes (all 60 minutes) on the outside. I had her check the digital time and find the numbers on the drawing and showed her watch so she made the connection.

She absolutely loved it. She was also reading the minutes as single digits until today, I tought her the twenties, thirties, etc. She’s catching on very well.

Our 3 year-old had a field day drawing family pictures. She finally makes bodies with all our faces, she’s so proud of herself…so are we of course.

After a wonderful warm spring day yesterday, as fate would have it we got snow today. Aww…I love days warm at home.

Potty-training & more is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

The PowerTouch Learning System by FisherPrice…is Way cool!

The girls love it. Though you have to be very careful, it’s not a tug-o-war toy since the pages have to sit nice & flat.

Words, pictures, reading, phonics, spelling, counting & more…perfect for homeschool.

It say the starting age is 3, but our 20-month-old can play the “finding” game just fine.

Well worth the investment!

PowerTouch Learning System is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog