DIY project to display your children's art

Sorry this took me soooooooo long to put up!!! I was having major technical difficulties in my defense :)

Here is a simple DIY project you can do in less than an hour. If your refrigerator is getting too full your little ones beautiful art this would be a great thing to make.

First get a board from a craft store. Make sure it is pretty thin. Any length should do. The more art your little one does the longer you want the board.

We spray painted ours white but plain would be fine too. You could also paint in many different colors if you would like.

Next, use a stencil and write out what you want it to say.
Next, paint in the stenciled letters.
Next, screw in some clamp clips and decorate as you like. We just purchased some little wooden flowers and bugs and a sun that were pre-painted in the wood craft area at hobby lobby for only .49 cents each. Lastly, attach a piece of ribbon or rope to the back either with nails or I used a staple gun.
I hope you like this simple diy project. Have fun with it!

Jen

Running out of ideas for summer fun?

Now that summer is more then half over you may be running out of ideas to keep the kids entertained. Here are some fun ideas. I found some of these ideas in Focus on the Family's monthly magazine. Not only are these fun but are also good character builders.

1. "Select a country where Christians are persecuted. (visit persecution.com for a list of countries) Look up information about the country, find its location on the map and have children draw its national flag. Then pray together for the believers there."

2. Look through a family photo album and let each person say why they are thankful for the loved ones in the album. Not only is this great for bringing families closer but I'm sure there will be some good giggles had too.

3. Have a backyard camp out! (Just make sure you turn the sprinklers off)
Take time to just hang out! Look at the stars, tell stories and tell each other why you love one another.

4. Do a scripture puzzle. Write out a verse on a piece of paper. Cut up the paper into a puzzle. Hide it around the house and have the children find it and put it back together. Memorize the verse as a family throughout the week.

5. Play flashlight tag. After dark, everyone finds a hiding place. The person who is "it" uses a flashlight beam to "tag" other players. Young children can partner with a parent.

6. Have a contest to see who can make the most people smile by smiling at them first.

7. Have a family show and tell time. Everyone gets to bring their most valuable items and gets to tell why they are so important.

8. "Using fabric markers, decorate an old pillowcase or plain white pillowcase. Write Psalm 63:6, "On my bed I remember you through the watches of the night." Embellish with your favorite designs."

9. Go visit someone in need. Bring someone food, help out around their house, mow the grass or just go have a nice long chat!

10. Have your children make cards for family far away or someone sick from church. Have them decorate the cards and then write something nice inside. Not only are they putting their creativity to work but they also get to work on their handwriting skills and bless someone all at the same time.

I hope you and your family try some of these fun ideas! Enjoy the rest of your summer! I know we will :)

Jen

Having trouble getting your child to read?

So I don't know about others out there but my daughter does not like to read. It is a daily struggle. We check out all sorts of new books from the library, purchase fun, new reader books and still a battle rises. Part of it is to be blamed on me because she takes after my lack of patience but it is still so frustrating. One way I discovered to get her reading without her really paying attention to the fact that she is READING is by playing games. We have a trivia gave called "Beat the Parents" and it is a lot of fun. She has to pick up a card and try and stump us with her question. She doesn't even realize she is "reading" because she is so into the game and it is fun! She was reading phrases like "amusement park" and "what instrument does Taylor Swift play?" I think that is pretty good for a Kinder. (Going into first) If you are having a hard time getting your little reader to sit with a book try pulling out some games instead. There are so many great games out there! Open up your game cabinet and try some out. You would be surprised what your little readers can read.

Garage Sales

I know who ever is reading this is about to be jealous of what I am going to say but, I had a garage sale this weekend. I know, I know, we all love standing out in the hot sun while juggling the kiddos who are doing their lemonade stand, while strangers are arm wrestling you down from $10 to $2 and then knowing at the end of the day, you have to lug your left overs to goodwill. (I hope you picked up on my sarcasm) :) We have all been there done that I'm sure. Wishing we were out shopping the garage sales rather than having one. Well, having my garage sale this weekend made me think of all the wonderful books I have found for school this year from hitting up my local garage sales. Granted it is hit or miss but, if you are out garage saling, look for books. Lots and lots of books. I found one garage sale that was at a teacher's house. Lucky me scored on tons of educational books. I love a good deal! Happy hunting :)

Jen

Thanks for visiting Operation Homeschool!

The reason I am starting this blog is really to share with you the experiences of the first year of teaching home school. I have so many emotions running through me and I would guess that a lot of other first time homeschoolers feel the same way. Fear, excitement, joy, anxiety. More than anything, I am excited, but I have that little voice in the back of my head telling me: YOU ARE GOING TO MESS YOUR CHILDREN UP FOREVVVVEEERRR! I know it won't be that bad but, of course, we all want our children to have the best they possibly can. Am I that? With daily prayer and dedication I think I can be that very best for them. Did that make sense? :)
Wish me luck on this journey called home school!

Jen