This little set doubles as a birthday and Mother’s day present for my husband’s Mum. The little Japanese tea pot from this picture was inherited from my Mother, which is funny because she wasn’t a tea drinker. I use it every day.
He began his life as a simple sketch in my almost full sketchbook.
I thought he had character and deserved something more “colourful” than grey pencil.
I hope to make him part of a series of various characters and perhaps produce some patterns of him and his friends as stitcheries.Homeschooling can cost much less than regular state school fees or more than private school fees – its really up to you how much you spend. We, as a family, have a frugal approach to every financial aspect of our lives and this certainly extends to homeschooling.
I have been using a very cheap curriculum for the past 4 years, however, the holes are starting to show and I’m not happy with the quality of materials. I will be spending a little more, which is OK considering it has been so affordable so far.
Whatever curriculum you choose (or write yourself if you’re that talented!) there are many cheap and free ways to supplement your lessons. Here are a few ideas:
-Your bookshelf can be an excellent resource. I constantly use our small encyclopedia set to write lessons for my son. Simply pick a topic eg. a country, get your child to read the available information and fill in a sheet of questions you have written out prior. Voila! Free lesson.
-Read a book or novel with the child and get them to write a book report. This can be a simple or complex assignment, it depends on the age and ability of the child.
– Go on an excursion. Find all the free resources in your area to visit. Go to the playground or park. Go to the library. Go for a picnic or nature walk. Some may not consider these activities as “schoolwork” but the children will learn and even better they will enjoy it!
– Take the morning off bookwork and instead play educational games with the children, do experiments, have a fun art and craft lesson or cook something together.
-There are many free online homeschooling resources. Take the time to look around and do some googling. For young children you will find a plethora of colouring in and activity sheets. For older children you will find some sample lessons or free lessons. I use Calvary Chapel Children’s Ministry for bible lessons, it has been invaluable and costs nothing! There are many other sites offering teacher resources, have a look.
– Remember, you are the teacher, you have the freedom to decide how your child/ren will learn best. Don’t worry about others who may try to influence your schedule, do what works for you and your kids!
And most importantly, keep up the good work!
So, after deciding that we would not need to buy a van before the arrival of little no.4 we have now realised that one of the children is too big to fit in additional station wagon seating, and another child soon will be. Tomorrow we go to look at a secondhand van. Although I’m very hesistant to spend the money, I must admit the idea of a roomy van is quite exciting, plus we already have a buyer for our current car.
Its a beautiful autumn day, blue skies, sun shining. The children are on the trampoline enjoying the weather before it turns cold again, so I’m enjoying some “quiet time” to myself.
I feel like making something but need more supplies, my small fabric collection is looking a bit pitiful. I’m trying to come up with more ideas to use up scraps, but then again, how many times do you want to use the same fabric over and over? Hmmm, starting to sound spoilt methinks!
Have a great day!
A “Wee Waldorf” doll, only 6 inches tall with knitted organic and hand dyed yarn dress and long flowing alpaca and mohair locks.
SOLD – THANKYOU!
I had this Winnie the Pooh cot panel in my stash for so long….
I selected some matching fabrics from the Spotlight clearance table (including the backing which is a beautiful soft and warm pink baby flannel)…..
I hand quilted the middle section and attached about 20 flower buttons I received in a Have a look, I’m one of the new members featured!
Natural Kids
We spent the weekend at my husband’s parent’s farm. The weather couldn’t have been more glorious, we spent most of our time outdoors working in the garden, plucking ducks and pottering around.
The children had a marvellous time running and riding their bikes in the wide open space.
These quilts were made by my husband’s great aunt many a moon ago. They were all folded in one of the bedrooms at the farm, I simply had to spread them out on the beds. This style of quilt is not my cup of tea but as a crafter I have a great appreciation of the work that went into them and the fabrics of a bygone era.
In the shop now! 15 inches tall, beautiful alpaca and merino hair. She has knitted leg warmers and a pet butterfly. She was a real joy to make.
Wishing you all a very happy and holy Easter from my family to you and yours!