If you are a homeschooling parent looking for ways to save some money, you may find these four tips from Habeebee Homeschooling extremely useful!

Many people have asked us on Habeebee Homeschooing, about how much we spend on a monthly bases for homeschooling. They are surprised to find out that we spend VERY little mashaAllah! It tends to be one of the things parents worry about when they begin homeschooling. This has been a non-issue for us, because there are so many great FREE resources to use when one begins homeschooling.

Tips for Affordable Homeschooling

1. Freecycle- Freecycle is an excellent resource depending on which state you are in. Recently, I sent a message to the New York community telling them I was in need of homeschooling supplies. A day later I received a box full of NEW supplies like glue, crayons, notebooks, pencils, workbooks, etc. I have used Freecycle on several occasions, for personal and homeschooling use, and I have always had a pleasant experience. Besides the travel cost to pick up the items, Freecycle is well–free!
2. Library- You do not have to buy a fancy, over-the-top curriculum to achieve teaching lessons successfully. Your local library is a good resource for putting together all the material you need for meeting your state standards and more importantly, your child’s. This year we created our own curriculum for preschool and kindergarten. Insha’Allah (God-willing), we intend on making the library our go-to spot for completing our curriculum this year.
3. Internet Freebies- Yes, there are many great websites full of free printables, lesson plans, worksheets, and more! With the simple click of a button you are able to make personalized worksheets or use the pre-made ones for free. There are sites with free curricula available with lesson plans to match. There are many moms who spend time making worksheets and workbooks that are free for other parents.
4. DIY- Do it yourself! If we run out of glue, we make it ourselves. The same goes for paint and other materials. A lot of love and time go into making your homeschooling materials. My husband and I have bonded together while making a Butterfly Life Cycle book for our children to read the next day. We have even created worksheets for them to work on. You do not have to be tech savvy to make a worksheet! With simple graphics and a subject in mind, you are good to go.

We hope you find these tips helpful! Please share in the comments how you stay within the bounds of your homeschooling budget!

photo credit: Amy Loves Yahve.

4 Tips for Affordable Homeschooling is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

Reading is a skill a child should get used to and enjoy, because he or she will be engaging in it for the rest of life. It’s a means to learning, a tool and pastime far too often overlooked.

Sharing My Love of Reading with the Next Generation

I have always had a love for books, growing up the library was like an adventure for me and my sister. With our library card, we could pretend to go anywhere, meet new people and, experience different surroundings, all from a book. My best hours growing up were spent indulged in a book until it was time to turn the light out and go to sleep.

As a homeschooling mom of four children, it is important to pass on that love of reading to my own kids, so they can experience the joys and benefits of reading. We all know that we are living in a society of technological advancements. Old fashioned exercise has been almost replaced by the Wii, and video games compensate for free time that could have been spent playing outdoors. More and more children are enjoying social networking via the internet and making the library a place to go only for school reports and that’s if you can not find it online.

Books On Demand

My oldest son has been reading since he was two years old, and now that he is four, he and his brothers love to read and love to be read to. Every book is exciting for them. Just like people have movies on demand, in our home we have books on demand. The stories can repeat, but each time it is read there is so much joy my children and I share.

Now the library in our home has gotten bigger, and the boys explore books from Dr. Seuss to Eric Carle! They enjoy every moment reading.

Why Simply Watch T.V. When You Can Read It?

Also, there are educational programs that you can use as support for raising children who love to read.  There are educational programs that I will sit down, watch, and participate in with my children. My children LOVED “Your Baby Can Read.” We used that video and other fun methods to get the children excited about reading, and thus, it was something we benefited from. Other families will say it did not work for them, and that is okay! What works for family may not work for another, you just have to find what gets your child excited about books and learning and go for it. We also enjoy shows like Word World and Super Why! However, we watch these shows rarely because we do not own a T.V. When we do watch it, we are always pointing out the words, sounding them out, and using them in sentences.

Turn Every Moment into a Reading Experience

You can increase your child’s love for reading every day with these suggestions:

• Play games in the car where you have to find all the letters of the alphabet
• Spot words that begin with each letter in the alphabet
• Write stories with your kids

Wow! Sounds like  if you don’t read, you’re really missing out on something wonderful! How do you get your child to read? Please share in the comments!

Raising Kids to Love Reading is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

We absolutely LOVE Summer Reading Programs! Every year since 2004, we’ve been updating our  lists here of all the Summer Reading Programs nationwide for everyone to join in the educational fun with the incentive of cool prizes on top of all this great family time and content consumed! So, far only 1 program already started, with most starting this week or weekend, so bookmark this page, share it with others and come back for updates. And, of course–if you know of other great finds, please share! I have quite a bit of commentary added so enjoy!

• PBS Summer Reading Community Challenge - Begins June 6th for 6-weeks of daily prompts and opportunities for daily prizes. Scholastic and iVillage are their partners, so this should be a great program. Check out Scholatic Summer Reading site for even more prizes!
• Barnes & Noble Imaginations’ Destination. By far our favorite reading program we never meet each year! Just read 8 books, log them on their journal, and get a FREE book. All the details can be downloaded through this Parent’s Kit. May 24th – Sept. 6th.
• Borders Double-Dog-Dare Challenge. (1) I really don’t like the name of this year’s theme, as we don’t dare, let alone double-dog-dare anyone to do anything. There’s no positive incentive in using those terms. My girls just asked, “Are they at least giving about 2 books for the double-dare?” “No…but good point.” Anyways, we are happy that they choose to get away a Free book for 10 books read, like they debuted last year. Previously years they only gave 1/2 off to selected titles. However, BIG warning: we had to go to 3 different Borders just to find a decent title remaining, because it’s first-come first-served (or at least it was last year). The program starts June 1st, so we plan to go there first and not wait until the end of the summer like we typically do.
• Half Price Books Feed The Brain Summer Reading Program – Starts June 6th. If you read more than 600 pages between July 25 – August 7, you can receive $5 Back-to-School Bucks summer reading reward. Top reader prizes, and the Biggest Storytime Kick-Off on June 5th at 2pm.
• H.E. Buddy Summer Reading Program – Go to “Join the Summer Reading Club”, or just fill in the 10 books you read on this form for cool prize; at least a T-shirt!
• Bookworm Wednesday – July 6 – August 10. Another program we love, specifically because I’m against movie theatres so the only time we go is in the summer when it’s free…but, my girls are terribly disappointed at this year’s line-up, as the movies are all “old”, unlike years past.

* As Muslims, we do not use interest-bearing savings accounts, credit or incur debt, so while there’s banks use  savings account dollars as an incentive for kids to read books; which while there’s no minimum to open the account, there’s fees applied if minimums are not met, hence getting kids into interest-bearing, debt-accruing habits at any early age. We do not promote or condone these programs.

Summer Reading Programs 2011 Details Not Yet Launch

• Reading Is Fundamental always has an awesome reading program. Sign-up for their newsletter (upper, right-hand corner) to get their latest news.
• Homeschool Blogger Summer Reading Splash – a fun interactive program with scavenger hunts, weekly prizes, coloring contests and more. I’m not sure if they’ll update this  blog, because it’s a different theme as last year, so be sure to check the main blog network of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine.
• 3rd Annual Summer Islamic Reading Program. Ready to launch June 1st, inshaAllah, God willing, we’ll have everything ready May 31st. Two great updates: we’re including Canada and registration AND submission will be make electronically, online. For quicker prizes and publication of your reviews, inshaAllah!

Public Library & Statewide Summer Reading Programs

• Check out your local public library!
  
• Don’t forget your state’s Department of Education, or even your Governor’s office.
• SummerReading.org 2011 – Open now to create your avatar, create your logs, reviews, like reviews with thumbs up, Earn Badges, Special Badges and Prizes. While it’s created by NYC libraries, we’re going to try to login in and see if we can add enter, because it looks so awesome!

Summer Reading Lists  & Resources 2011

• Top 10 Summer Reading Lists For Kids and Teens: 2011

• RIF’s Reading Planet

Free Summer Programs for Kids

• Pottery Barn Summer Kids Events

Thanks to Staci for sharing these freebie lists, interestingly she had all the summer reading programs I have listed from past participation.

More Summer Freebies for Kids

• Free Summer Movie Tickets
• Free Summer Craft Classes
• Free Classes for Kids at Lowe’s

Freebies for Kids

• Free Classes for Kids
• Free Books for Kids

Free Summer Reading Programs for 2011 – Free Prizes, Reading Lists & More! is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

I just found this old article I wrote back in 2005 when I was sharing how the library helped me start my new business. Since I’m moving once again to a new state and town, I just read it and thought it had some classic memories advise that may help us all.

1. Establish Yourself as a Local Authority. Your first goal is to establish myself as a local expert in your field. Moving to a new state 100s miles away, or even a new town means you most likely need to start from scratch. With the guidance of the reference librarian, and the media shelves (e.g., local newspapers, magazines, and free periodicals), you should research for every single news outlet, their editors and publishers. Research every business start-up so you can focus on sending press releases to local press to capitalize on free local news coverage.

2. Book availability & home-access. The Internet allows you to conduct critical searches, place book reservations, renew, and request inter-library loans all before you even show up. So, prepare at home first.
I learned that for a better chance of seeing your desired book on their shelves and assuring that you’re the first borrower, it’s best to gather some colleagues and friends (typically you can find local book clubs in email groups) to make a group requests for particular titles.

3. Subscriptions to trade and popular magazines are up-to-date and current. While you cannot borrow the most recent issue, you can borrow multiple past issues. I recommend business start-ups to search trade magazines for advertising opportunities, and ways to cross-promote or be highlighted. Many trade magazines have Q & A sections. Most of the time; your name, city and state will appear. An example may be, “As a home-based interior designer, my budget is much smaller than my competitors. Do you have any marketing ideas on a shoestring budget?”

4. Reference Librarians are Research Detectives. I have yet to have a question unanswered or an issue unsolved. Librarians are highly-skilled researchers who willfully answer questions on the spot, take calls over the phone, and will even follow-up with you even after you left. I always try to get on a first-name basis, because I see librarians as highly-trained personal business researchers, available for free.

5. Reference books and materials. There are dozens of directories, indexes for trade associations, support references, etc. which are expensive to purchase and maintain. Since these materials can’t be checked out, it is necessary to schedule time to utilize all their resources on a regular basis.

6. Computer software and internet access. In any business start-up, it’s integral to have an alternative computer and internet access to use. The library offers both for free, usually with a time limits. Nowadays, most libraries have wireless capabilities–just not at smaller branches so always be prepared.

7. Educational environment for my girls. Since libraries are family-oriented, and I’m a homeschool mama of three girls, we plan at least one trip a week, so I can tackle some of the above stated business duties. They too, get to check out new books, try new software programs, play with educational toys, games, resources  and attend incredible children activities. Check out their events schedule online to best make use of your trip.

8. Facilities and multi-media usage. I hosted a home based working moms/women entrepreneurs expo at the library once for free. We had access to a TV, VCR, DVD-player, laptop hookup with video display projector, microphone system, podium, and room set-up. The library is a perfect arena to host networking events, and speaking appearances, to showcase yourself as an industry leader and expert.

9. Hidden promotional support. Depending on your topic and advance notice, your program may be highlighted in the regular events brochure. Our library’s quarterly calendar is mailed to financial supporters of the library, their partners and distributed throughout the library. They helped with flyers, sign positioning, and even directed families the day of the event to our program too.

10. Support Beyond Your Business Start-Up! The library has been more than an educational support system; they’ve offered motivational, economical (they’re free), professional, social, and even physical support. [They eagerly help me carry box loads of books and videos to and from my car.]

My business start-up was facilitated by the library system, and now they’re assisting with my success and sustainability!

Rest assured, I’ll be completely all these in our new city…they have 18 branches and our closest one is 6 minutes away. Do you have tips to share? Would love some new hidden gems in our local public libraries! Please share below.
photo credit: nemzetikonyvtar

Top 10 Ways The Library Can Help You and Your Business is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

Hurricane Katrina is truly a tragic natural disaster! Although are girls are all under 5 years old, there’s many lessons to learn:

1. Geography: We started learning from the Rookie Read-About Geography series just the day before Hurricane Katrina. Great books! Check them out right now!

2. Science. How and where hurricanes form, weather differences between coastal states and where we live in Toledo, Ohio. We used internet search. How New Orleans is below sea-level and what this means.

3. Current Events. I used Yahoo! News and we reviewed the news videos, pictures, and breaking new stories.

4. Charity, Compassion and Humanity. We discussed many issues of the refugees, lotting, and all their basic needs.

5. History. Hurricane Katrina is the worse natural disaster/hurricane in over 40 years.

6. Techonology: The issue of the levy’s and how we need to build an entire city from sewer systems, electricity, etc. from the “bottom-up”. We were on our walk last night and our kindergartener saw the sewer drain and she yelled “Mama, this is what they have to fix in New Orleans, right!?”

7. Reading & Research: We just picked up Children’s Encyclopedias and Dictionaries at the library. We’re learning how to find certain words in alphabetical order.

These are just a few of the lessons learned from Hurricane Katrina. Please offer us more ideas and thoughts by sharing your comments below.

May God bless all the families directly affected by Hurricane Katrina, and may God guide all of us to help those suffering.

Hurricane Katrina – lessons to learn 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

Toledo Public Library has the best Summer Reading Program.

Since we’re 2 weeks behind from our vacation, we’re quickly catching up on lost tracked-time.

We constantly read…even during vacation, but I didn’t think of tracking the hours, books and their authors.

Nonetheless, we finished 5 hours each for the week and got our coupon sheet (we already cashed in our free McDonald’s hamburgers), dragon tattoo, and twistable eraser.

We were spoiled with so many books from Grandma and Grandpa, that I am literally reading ALL day long to one or all three to them at a time.

The past 3 nights, I’ve read from 1-2.5 hours alone in bed. I’m surprised I didn’t lose my voice yet.

Toledo has the Best Summer Reading Program! 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