Please let us not forget the Reason for the Season.  Help us celebrate Life, family and joy.  Guide us to spread the joy, peace and harmony God intended.  Help me focus on what realty matters to make the season bright.  Help those in need, and remember to love everyone as much as God loves us.  Amen

Simple Lego Balloon Car

In honor of our discussions on wind power, here is another idea for the balloon wind power.  http://www.squidoo.com/cool-lego-creations

FREE kindle book today!!

Talking about weather, snow, rain, freezing rain? 
Here's a free kindle book to read with the kids!

Thanks Amazon!!!
click on this link below...

http://www.amazon.com/Weather-Book-Kids-Childrens-Activities-ebook/dp/B00EGH1A70/ref=zg_bs_155009011_f_63

Christmas book of words (printable) FREE

Use this link to get a free Christmas book of practice writing and spelling words for K, 1st or 2nd grades.  You can print only the pages you want to (or print them all) 
http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/My-Book-ofChristmas-Words-FREE-986296

Christmas Caroling 12-12-13

Mrs. Carol has organized a Christmas Caroling outing for our homeschool group once again this year, below is a link you can print the music and get ready for the big day.  Practice makes perfect, right?  See you there!  We cannot wait! 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/pemq/6299486747/in/photostream/

Joy to the World
Away in a Manger
Silent Night
Hark the Herald Angels Sing
Go tell it on the Mountain
Angels we have heard on high
and of course she'll take requests when we are there....

Quilted Christmas tree table runner or wall hanging, easy pattern.

Stuck on what to get for someone this Christmas, make a table runner.  I've made 2 so far, they will make wonderful gifts and one of a kind! 

http://www.sewmamasew.com/2013/07/christmas-in-july-christmas-tree-table-runner/

Homemade Maxi Skirt Pattern - EASY!!

Homemade Maxi Skirt Pattern 

Click above for a Super easy pattern and instructions for those trendy skirts, cannot find one you like in the stores?  MAKE IT!!  I've made 3 and I love them!  Fabric is cheaper than if you bought one already made.  The pattern and sewing are super easy, so test your sewing skills, amaze yourself and show off your new fashion! 

Is homeschooling tax deductible?

Yes, there are MN state tax credits that we can use.  See the attached website for more information.

http://www.revenue.state.mn.us/Pages/search_results.aspx?k=homeschool

The first Thanksgiving mini book printable

http://www.teachervision.fen.com/tv/printables/TCR/1576904679_180-183.pdf

For the Thanksgiving Unit Study - here is a wonderful book you can print, read and color. 

28 dyas of being Thankful

Tis the season to be grateful, we are starting our MONTH of Thanks.  Everyday we will share something we are thankful for.  Visit me on Facebook (Rosa Daggett Gunderson) to see our days of thanks or make your own.  I'm thankful that there is ALWAYS SOMETHING TO BE THANKFUL FOR!!!  Have a fun time with this project. 

Free E book ( pdf download) from Charlotte Mason

http://simplycharlottemason.com/store/smooth-easy-days-with-charlotte-mason/?utm_source=eletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=sidebar

When Hot cocoa is too hot...

The little ones always say the Hot Cocoa is too hot, so I froze some marshmallows (these are pumpkin shaped ones). Plop a couple in their cup and taa-daa, it cools the cocoa AND then they can eat them.   They sell many flavors of marshmallows this time of year, I cannot wait to try them all!  Gingerbread, vanilla, candy corn, pumpkin spice...It will make the cocoa even better. 

 

 

Free Thanksgiving Printable

Thanksgiving-Labeling-ActivityHomeworkBeginning-Sounds-096981100-1382825381-1382928329/original-945355-1.jpg

10/24 GRACE Notes

Happy fall!   (or early winter?)

 

I have a few things for you to take note of.  Please read carefully!  I am going to use this week's email as a "test" to be sure that all of you are getting these weekly emails.  PLEASE SEND AN EMAIL back to me, so that I know you got this.  I will be keeping a check-off list so I know if the emails are not getting to someone.

 

1)  The GRACE directories will be in your registration folders if you paid for one.  Please check them for accuracy.  Let me know if there is something missing or wrong.  I will print a corrections sheet if necessary.  (Only those kids registered with GRACE are listed with family photos.)

 

2)  If you have not paid for snacks OR signed up, please check the list at the reg. table and sign up on the empty spaces.

 

3)  The helping moms sign up sheets are attached.  Please take note of the next two gatherings.  REMEMBER, if you are unable to make it, you are responsible to find someone to fill in for you.  We are at the minimum amount of supervision for each age group, so your presence on the days you signed up for IS CRUCIAL!  Thanks!!  :)

 

4)  It is very important that everyone understands the need for all kids to help with the activity center set up at the end of the afternoon.  For certain, each week we need to set up 9 tables and chairs.  Sometimes, we are asked to help with more.  When there is more work to do, we release the kids from classes 8-10 minutes early, as we know that some of you are on tight schedules following GRACE.  It isn't fair to have some families staying and helping and others leaving.  We used to dismiss GRACE at 3:00pm.  We have changed that time to 2:55, so that there is time for all to help.  Please be aware of this and be available.  There is ALWAYS a need to have parents in the gym keeping kids on task.  I really need your help on this.  Thanks!  :)

 

5)  Remember, use the GRACE newsletter classified section to your benefit!  :)

 

6)  There will be an email soon with the date, time and place of our November mom's night out!  We had a wonderful time last week and hope to have more of you join us in the future

 

Blessings,

Free Kindle Book today..

Free kindle book today The Homeschool Highway at amazon.com

Free Kindle Book today..

http://www.amazon.com/Homeschool-Highway-Navigate-Without-ebook/dp/B00AAJNL3E/

Moms night out this Monday 10/14

Remember, this Monday night is our first “Mom’s Night Out” of the year.  We will meet at Jazz and Java in Willmar (not far from the Robbin’s Island park area) just off Hwy 23 on the service road, in the same building as Whitney Music.  The owner ( a grace member)  has offered to provide coffee, tea and a sweet treat at no cost to our fellow Grace members.  If you would like an espresso drink, plan to bring some money.  It would be helpful for her to know how many to expect/plan for so please email P.H. to RSVP for Mom’s Night Out. 

 

Exploration Rotation - CAREERS, with guest speakers.

I would like to introduce you to what will be happening in the Exploration rotation in the coming weeks and months.  Beginning this week, we will have a series of guests that will be coming and taking time to share with the kids about their jobs/careers.  Some of them will be bringing “visual aides” that will help the kids identify with the job, while others will simply be sharing stories, etc. with the kids.  We will be asking our visitors to share with the older kids what types of classes/subject areas they might want to explore if they think that this job might be of interest to them.  We will also ask them to share opportunities like job shadowing, volunteering, etc.  There will be two “thank you” cards at the registration desk, please have your kids sign them this Thursday, as we will be using them for thank cards that we give to our guests.

 

 

 

Columbus Day 10.14.13

Columbus Day is coming up in the United States on October 13th. It celebrates when Christopher Columbus arrived in the Americas on October 12th, 1492.

Here is the most popular Columbus Day poem in the US. It’s used to help teach the history of Columbus.

IN 1492

In fourteen hundred ninety-two

 Columbus sailed the ocean blue.

 

He had three ships and left from Spain;

 He sailed through sunshine, wind and rain.

 

He sailed by night; he sailed by day;

 He used the stars to find his way.

 

A compass also helped him know

 How to find the way to go.

 

Ninety sailors were on board;

 Some men worked while others snored.

 

Then the workers went to sleep;

 And others watched the ocean deep.

 

Day after day they looked for land;

 They dreamed of trees and rocks and sand.

 

October 12 their dream came true,

 You never saw a happier crew!

 

“Indians! Indians!” Columbus cried;

 His heart was filled with joyful pride.

 

But “India” the land was not;

 It was the Bahamas, and it was hot.

 

The Arakawa natives were very nice;

 They gave the sailors food and spice.

 

Columbus sailed on to find some gold

 To bring back home, as he’d been told.

 

He made the trip again and again,

 Trading gold to bring to Spain.

 

The first American? No, not quite.

 But Columbus was brave, and he was bright.

 

Moms night out - October 14, 2013

This month, we are planning to meet on Monday evening, Oct. 14th at the Jazz and Java Coffee shop in Willmar (near the Robbin's Island area and in the same building as Whitney Music).  One of our GRACE families has direct connections with the coffee shop...they run it! :)  We will gather from 7-9pm.  Please come and go as you are able.   Call a friend and carpool if you live out of town!  Let's make this a great start to our year of fellowship and encouragement to one another.

Mount Tom - Sibley State Park

Sibley State Park IS still open during this Gov't shutdown.  Get out there to see the beautiful Fall Foliage that almost changes before your eyes.  Its breathtaking!  A Day pass is $6.00, stay all day, Hike, collect leaves, do leaf rubbings, go on a nature scavenger hunt, have a picnic,  etc.  

Broccoli Cheese Soup in the crockpot!!!

Crock Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup

Serves 8

Ingredients:

42 oz frozen chopped broccoli florets (I bought 3 14 oz size bags)

3 10.75 oz cans of cheddar cheese soup

3 cans evaporated milk 

1 teaspoon of Garlic Powder

1.5 teaspoons of black pepper

1.5 cups of Chopped Onions

Cheddar Cheese (to top with)

Directions:

Place all ingredients except cheddar cheese into slow cooker.  Cook on low 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.  Top with cheddar cheese.

Freezer to Slow Cooker Directions

1. Chop 1.5 cups of onion (about 2 medium)
2. Place all ingredients except cheddar cheese and frozen broccoli into gallon size freezer safe bag.
3. Get bag out of freezer the night before you plan to cook it.
4. The next morning, add contents of bag and the frozen broccoli to the slow cooker.
5. Stir.  Follow cooking directions above.

GRACE update 9.24.13

Hello, I trust that you have had a great couple of weeks since we were all together.  Those who were able to attend the field trip...a special thanks for making it such a great experience.  I trust you all had a good day with friends and/or family. I have several items that need your close attention...please read carefully!

**IF you have a 2 year old, we are asking you to have them in the red group/room from now on.  In the past, this was the age category used, but we went to 1 1/2 yrs last year, as there weren't many in the orange group category.  This year there are a large number of kids (too many) in the orange group, and the leaders of this group are actually using this time with the orange group to create a preschool-type experience with a little more structure.  Therefore we are going to go back to the 2 yr olds and under included in the red group, having their own playtime and space. This may mean that we will need additional helpers in the red group.  Please be aware of this if you are the floater position or a mom who just stays around even if you are signed up for a specific age ground. Thanks for your help in making this change.

The preschoolers will be using washable finger paint this week, so don't wear favorite clothes...just in case! ;)

 

*The parking lot at EFree is being resurfaced this week and maybe require some creative parking.  Just be aware that you may have to look around for places to park.

 

1)  This requires a VERY fast response from you.  This event was just recently made known to me...and if there are enough people interested in this special Minnesota Sea Life Aquarium (formally known as "Underwater World") experience at the Mall of America, we could charter a bus.  It would be a first come, first served, (all ages welcome) for the 55 passengers of the coach bus...at the cost of $11-$12 per person.  We would go on Monday, October 7th....leaving at 8:00am from Willmar, arriving at the Mall of America at 10:30, leaving the Mall of America at 3:30pm and returning home at 6:00pm. This gives plenty of time for the Aquarium, some shopping, rides, lunch, etc.  As always, you can always go on your own anytime during the week.  If there is some interest among GRACE families, but not enough to fill the seats of the bus, we will open the bus to other extended family and/or homeschooling friends.  You will need to sign up with a deposit of $12 per person (refundable only if we can't fill the bus, and consequently, won't be going)  THIS Thursday at GRACE or mailed to me by Tuesday, October 1st.

 *This isn't necessarily an "organized" field trip, just a GRACE promotion of a great homeschool week opportunity, with possible transportation provided.

*I can always get more Qdoba cards, if you would like to suppliment your costs to go. :)

Minnesota Sea Life Aquarium · October 7 – 11 (Mall of America)

Homeschool students and families are invited to join us October 7 – 11 for Homeschool Week. General Aquarium admission for homeschool students and families will be offered at a reduced rate and available during standard open hours with a copy of a valid reporting form. Learning stations will be available daily between 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. and discounted behind-the-scenes tours will be offered at select times. Admission: $5+tax per person; wristband is valid all day (10 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.)

2)  Remember to fill out the questions for Anna and return them to her, as she will be highlighting families in the upcoming newsletters.

3)  Please bring your footballs again to be used during Phy Ed.  Remember....everyone needs to have tennis shoes on for phy ed class.  Moms, too!  :)

4)  If you didn't have your family's photo taken last week for the photo directory, please don't leave until you do!  : )  We hope to have it printed by the first week of October.

5)  Rosa Gunderson has created a "GRACE" blogsite and she is excited to introduce it to you.  She has already put in several hours to get it up and running and has already entered a few posts.  Check it out and see how it might be a form of communication that you enjoy using.  PLEASE remember, it is intended to be an internal blog...only for current GRACE members.  We are trying to protect everyone's names, personal info, etc., and keeping it for GRACE families will help in that endeavor.  Please feel free to use it, contribute to it and encourage one another with scripture, prayer requests/praises, curriculum insights, household helps, good book reviews, etc.

The site is http://gracecoop.blogspot.com/   Have fun...and THANKS Rosa!

6)  Don't forget, this Saturday is our Annual Fall Family night...rescheduled from the 14th due to the weekend of rain that blessed our land!   

7)  Check the email attachment for this week's and next week's schedule of helping moms,

 

8)  Send any classifed ads (GRACE family run business, give away, for sale, for loan, needed, etc.) to Anna by Tuesday evening/EARLY Wednesday morning.  Let's really use this aspect of the newsletter to bless each other.

 

9)  I am making final contacts for information regarding the optional field trip to Granite Falls on October 3rd. This would include the Fagan WWII Museum (look on the website for more info) and the Yellow Medicine Historical Museum (focus on Indian history).  We would plan a picnic together between the two sites at a nearby park/playground.  Transportation would be independent.  We would give a "group donation" to the Museum...not the $10 per person suggested, based on how many attend.  Most likely $2-$3 per person.

 

10)  There was a considerable amount of interest for a monthly mom's night out.  There was no clear day of the week that was best for a majority and there was interest in both meeting in Willmar, as well as in people's homes.  So, beginning in October, I will be scheduling the next three months of "Mom's Night Out" gatherings.  I figured this month felt full enough with getting everything started and the field trip...that we'd enjoy an evening together all the more in October.

 

11)  There are 3 DVDs left over from last spring's celebration night.  They are $5 each.  They include the musical aspect of the program, as well as the slide show highlights.  First come, first served.  Let me know right away

Amazing Carmel Sauce, no need to buy that expensive apple dipper sauce at the store.

I love a tablespoon of this added to my coffee and nothing more,
or on ice cream, or over blonde brownies, over apple pie, or for dipping apples. 
Anyone can make this..., and if you are having difficulties send me a
message and I'll help you!!
Recipe yields 1 1/2 cups 

1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup heavy cream
4 tablespoons butter (1/2 stick)
Pinch of salt
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Melt butter in pot, mix in brown sugar, cream and salt.
Cook over medium-low heat and whisk gently
for about 7 minutes.  When it bubbles up to the top of your saucepan, turn the heat down, add vanilla and return to the heat and cook for another minute or so to thicken a bit more.  IT WILL THICKEN AS IT COOLS.   Take it off the stove and pour into a jar with a lid.  Store in the fridge and microwave a minute when you'd like some. It gets pretty thick in that jar in the fridge.  

Fall tree template

Use this template (click on it to print or cut and paste).  Use a bingo dauber or wine cork with paint to dab fall colored leaves onto the tree.  Great for fine motor skills and art! 

 

 

 

Embrace the beauty in every day

God, thank you for this beautiful day.  Today, I offer you my hands, Lord; use them for your glory.  I offer you my feet, Lord; lead me where you would have me to go.  I offer you my eyes, Lord; may I see through the eyes of faith, with understanding.  I offer you my ears, Lord; may I hear your voice clearly.  Give me the grace to handle whatever comes my way today, and may I do all with a heart of joy and service unto You and others.  Amen.

First Day of GRACE 9/12

Please plan to come early (11:30ish) on the 12th of Sept to GRACE, as we will be taking photos of you and your kids for the directory, signing in/nametags, and finding rooms, etc.  If you come early and all these things are done, you can supervise your kids playing outside. 

Field Trip Update:

Here are a couple of things regarding the field trip:

 

1)  If you paid for a 5 year old and under, you can receive a refund for that $5, as those under 5 enter for free to the Fort Snelling part of our trip.

 

2)  You can bring strollers.  They will be stored in the under storage area of the coach.

 

3)  We have 8 seats to be filled on the bus.  If you have immediate family/extended family members who would like to pay and come along, you are welcome to put their name on the waiting list.  If there are still not enough to fill the spots, then you may put names of friends who homeschool that may want to come along on the waiting list.  All of these names will be on a first come, first served basis. 

 

ITS SO HOT OUTSIDE!! What can we do inside to pass the time?

 

My Favorite Homemade Playdough, I'll never buy playdough again!!  This is smooth, it smells good and in an airtight container it lasts a long time!!!!

1 1/4 cups flour
1/4 cup salt
1 tsp alum (buy this in the canning aisle or at Runnings, its way cheaper than in the seasoning aisle)
2 pkg's unsweetened Kool Aid whatever color you want
1 cup boiling water
1 1/2 tbs oil
Glitter - optional
Food coloring - to match your kool aid color - optional

• Heat the water in the microwave 1 minute or so. 
• Mix together the dry ingredients in a medium bowl. 
• Add the oil (and a few drops of food coloring if you want it more vibrant) to the hot water. 
• Pour the liquid over the dry ingredients.  
• Mix that together the best you can with a large spoon. 
• Dump it out onto the counter and knead it, let it cool some more and knead it more until its smooth and silky, dust with more flour if its too sticky.  It should not stick to your hands.
• Its very therapeutic kneading playdough. 
• Let the kids use your cookie cutters, plastic ones are nice.  Rolling pins, plastic knives, pizza cutters, ice cube trays, etc.  They wash - don't be afraid to let them use your utensils. 
• Store in a zip to bag or in an old sour cream container (recycle/reuse) will last for 2 months at least. 

From Sarah B -

Hello! So nice to meet so many of you at the Mom's meeting last night.  To those of you who are new to the co-op, welcome, and if you are new to the adventure of homeschooling, congratulations!  (Or, in my more cynical homeschooling moments I would think....I'm so sorry, call me when you have your first mental breakdown...:) 

You are all invited to our farm for a potluck and bonfire the evening of Saturday, September 14, starting at 6 pm. The farm is a fun place for families, so I encourage you to take the time to prepare a dish and come with your whole family, or whomever in your family can make it that night.  We'll provide the plates, cups, and plasticware, as well as drinks, if you'll bring the food.

My daughters will have some games and activities to give your children a chance to explore the farm.  We have a lot of critters lurking around, both free-range and in cages, as well as a sack swing, play fort, and trampoline.  The perennial gardens are large, and gorgeous, and you will feast your eyes and wonder how I manage it all, until I tell you I inherited it all from my mother-in-law last year, and she manages it for me:) The shop is large and comfortable and will protect us from heat or cold or wind.  Nursing moms are welcome to come in and out of the house as needed. 

For Address and Directions  - please refer to the email sent to you on 8/26

If you plan to come, please let me know so I have a rough idea how many chairs and tables to set up, but feel free to show up at the last minute if you can't plan that far ahead. 

Money saving tip -

Those packages of pre-sliced apples you can buy at store are great for a healthy snack on the go but the price can add up. Make your own by slicing apples, soak in cold water for 3-5 minutes, then soak in a lemon-lime carbonated soda (such as 7-up or sprite) for 3-5 minutes. Divide into snack size portions and store in Ziploc bags in the fridge. The lemon-lime soda will keep the apples from browning and make them last longer. LOVE THIS IDEA!

GRACE facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/pages/GRACE-Co-op/107768852639952

Hello!! G.R.A.C.E Homeschoolers!!

Hi everyone!  Well, here we are on the doorstep of an exciting year full of God's blessings...yet to be revealed.  There has already been a tremendous amount of planning and preparation in getting ready for the GRACE year, with a few remaining details yet to fall into place.

 

 

“G.R.A.C.E.” Homeschool Co-op

Growing Relationships And Cultivating Enrichment

Information Guide…2013-2014

 

G.R.A.C.E. Co-op Goals and Mission Statement

Our goal as a Christian faith based co-op is to provide education, physical activity and opportunities for parents and children alike to build relationships with one another.  We believe God created all that we have, and in all we do He is to be glorified.  We desire to encourage and challenge the children in their learning and physical skills and to have a shared learning experience with other children.  We see our time spent as a wonderful opportunity to enrich the lives of our children with like-minded families who share a similar Christian faith and values.

 

Commitment and Involvement

To ensure that our co-op runs smoothly, we ask each family to commit to attending the co-op for the entire school year.  Families that have their children participating in the activities must have at least one parent actively involved in the co-op meetings/activities.  G.R.A.C.E. is intended for parents and children to experience together.  If a parent or family seems to have irregular attendance without explanation, someone on the leadership team will visit with them about their involvement in the co-op.   Obviously, illness related absences, as well as family matters and adverse weather conditions are considered to be excused.  We feel that without the commitment to attend and help out it would be unfair to the other families involved with G.R.A.C.E..  When you receive the weekly reminder, please RSVP to indicate if you will NOT be attending and who will be covering your “helping responsibility” if you are signed up to help.  Often guest speakers and teachers ask for the number of students in order to plan for and provide adequate resources for their lessons.

 

Mothers will be asked to help supervise/facilitate a group of kids 10 different dates throughout the year (1/2 by Dec 19^th and ½ after Jan 1^st) in which you will be involved in the activities of co-op that day.  On all other days, you may choose to “sign-out” from 12:15-2:45, as long as you have a cell phone with you and leave an emergency contact number.  If your child is under 1 yr old, you will be asked to bring him/her with you.  IF you cannot make it on your assigned day, you need to find a substitute for yourself.  We are committed to providing adequate adult help for each assigned area…if that requires us to hire someone to fill your place, that financial responsibility will become yours.  Perhaps it would be helpful to form a 2-3 person “team” that you can call on to trade places with each other as needed.

 

Age Group Options/Expectations:

Red   -        0-18 months…may nap/nurse, crawl, toddle, calmer-quiet room

Orange  -     18mo-4 yrs…plays with toys, listens to stories, simple projects, play outside

Yellow     -   4-6 yrs (preK,-1^st gr)…potty trained, follows directions, colors, cuts, listens to leader, 10-15 min attention span

Green   -      6-8 yrs (1^st-3^rd gr)…reads with help, writes/copies independently with little help,                        15-20 min attention span, colors, cuts, paints, learns skills easily

Blue     -      8-10 yrs (3^rd-4^th gr)…reads and writes completely independently, longer attention span

Purple    -    10-12 yrs (5^th-6^th gr)…reads and writes completely independently, longer attention span

Teen Scene - ages 12 and up,…able to work/volunteer off site, can speak and interact with adults, able to do some study and group discussion, independent group activities and interaction

*** In the case of each color (age) group, the child must be the minimum age by Sept 12^th (our first GRACE gathering)

 

Annual Fee:

We will collect $20 ($1.25 per week)for each child that participates in G.R.A.C.E that is 12 month or older as of 9/12/13.  This covers our usage fee to the church, snacks, materials needed for activities on site, postage, photo copying and other week to week costs.  Each year we try to purchase additional phy ed equipment and musical instruments that are needed for our activities, as well as classroom supplies.  This does not cover any outside activity fees such as bowling, swimming, Prairie Woods, etc.  You may pay all of your family’s fees in August or ½ at the mom’s mtg in August and ½ in January.  We will also be collecting an optional $3 per family at the beginning of the year if you would like the annual photo directory that will be available on Oct 10^th.

 

Weather and Other cancellations

Weather may be a factor in the happenings of G.R.A.C.E.  If the Willmar schools are closed, we will not meet.  Also, because we are guests using the Church facility, if they have need of the facility, then we will need to postpone our meeting.  You will receive an email no later than 10 am the day of G.R.A.C.E. if we are cancelling due to weather or a church related event.  Please check your email (or call someone in the co-op or on the leadership team if you are away from your home phone) for a change in day and/or time.  In some cases, a rescheduled date may be possible.

 

Leadership Team:  consists of 8 moms, eager to help us in any way. 

Please contact the leadership team if you have any questions regarding any aspect of G.R.A.C.E.  Again, we desire our group to be Christ centered, fun, interactive and a great opportunity for the children to learn and build relationships.

*New families who agree with the mission statement and have read the information guide may join at any time throughout the year based on openings in each age group.  Suggestions for new families should be given to Paula for contacting.

 

Importance of Email:

Please remember to check your email each Monday/Tuesday before we meet on Thursday and read it carefully so you are aware of all communications!  This is our main form of communication and it can be very effective if everyone is committed to checking it!  Sometimes the kids will be asked to bring something special from home for a lesson or activity.   This information is then included in the weekly email that comes to your email box the Monday prior to our Thursday co-op. 

 

Monthly Mom’s Night Out:

In response to moms who are looking for a time of connecting, encouraging, and just being in the presence of other homeschooling moms (without kids present), we will have a monthly mom’s night out.  The dates, time and location will be communicated via email in September.

 

Time/Schedule

Thursday afternoons

Check in and registration will start at 11:40.  Please be punctual, as we will be starting on time.  A detailed, year long schedule of topics, activities, etc. will be distributed to each family. Our daily schedule will be as follows:

          Discovery Zone            Music                                  Exploration                    Physical Ed     

 

12-12:40                           8-10 yrs                             6-8 yrs                            4-6 yrs                         10-12 yrs & Teens

                                                (Blue)                                 (Green)                        (Yellow)                            (Purple)

 

12:45-1:25*                    *6-8 yrs                              4-6 yrs                                   *10-12 yrs & Teens    8-10 yrs

                                                (Green)                              (Yellow)                            (Purple)                            (Blue)

 

*1:30-2:10                       *4-6 yrs                              10-12 yrs                          *8-10 yrs                           6-8 yrs

                                                (Yellow)                            (Purple)                            (Blue)                                 (Green)

 

2:15-2:55                          10-12 yrs                          8-10 yrs                             6-8 yrs                                   4-6 yrs

                                                (Purple)                            (Blue)                                 (Green)                              (Yellow)

 

2:55                      Take Down/Put Back  (everyone…all rooms)

 

*denotes snack time during the end/start of the rotation

 

“Extra Thursday” afternoons

These dates are set aside for additional opportunities for families to take part in.  Some of them require additional fees, others do not.  Your involvement in these activities is completely optional, although we encourage you to take part in as many as you can.  These provide great opportunities for the kids to interact in informal settings, as well as mothers!  You will be asked to sign up and pay for them in advance (usually 2 wks), as many other them require reservation or advance registration.

 

Red and Orange “Play” Groups

When helping in these groups, parents will be actively involved with the children in the group on a flexible schedule that may include free play, directed games, simple singing and music activities, or reading stories. 

 

Rotations for Yellow, Green, Blue, and Purple groups:

Discovery Zone   

When moms who have signed up to help with these age groups are at the Discovery Zone rotation, they are responsible for helping set up and clean up as needed.  The moms will be in the room to help out if needed during the teaching period and please keep kids focused and respectful at all times.  We desire to make this a fun and valued learning experience for the children and a positive experience for the teacher, by having assistance with classroom behavior.  Plan to sit with and among the kids.

 

Teaching time can cover many topics.  This year our focus is on exposing our kids to many different jobs/careers and people roles in the community.  It will include guest speakers from outside of our group.  Any parent may volunteer to share with the group if they would like to. Contact a leadership member if you are interested or have a contact of someone outside of the group for the future.

Physical Education

The focus of the Phy Ed time is to learn games, sports, teamwork, skills, build endurance and to have fun.   This year we will include football (boys)/cheerleading (girls), volleyball, soccer, softball and kickball/dodgeball.  We also include the parachute and playground games for the younger kids.  We will go bowling and swimming as additional (optional) events.  We also try to implement stretching and warm up running.  When moms are at this rotation with their group, they should help keep kids focused, quiet, paying attention and participating, allowing the instructor to teach rather than focus their attention on “crowd control”.

 

Music

The fall and early winter weeks will be focused primarily on the history of music and it’s development around the world. Children preK-6^th grade will be working on basic aspects of music and music theory (at age appropriate levels)that will be a part of our annual  Spring Celebration in May.

 

Exploration

This rotation provides an in-depth study (3 weeks) on 3 different topics throughout the year.  This rotation will also include some art projects and group activities. 

 

Teen Scene

This “12 years and up” group is intended to give this age group an opportunity to extend the friendships and time together beyond their elementary/middle school years.  Their afternoons together include joining the Purple group for the Phy Ed rotation and an additional rotation.  We are also planning to included some exposure to various careers through guest visits.  The rest of the time they will meet independently.  There will also be off-site occasions for a service project and a couple of fun group activities.  This group has 2 adult leaders and may require additional adult helpers as needed. 

 

Miscellaneous Information:

 

·        All children in color groups Orange-Purple and Teen Scene will get a daily snack. Each family will be asked to provide snacks 2 times throughout the year.  You may choose to pay $5 for each of those assigned weeks if you would rather have GRACE provide them on your behalf.

·        ALL kids in all color groups and teen group will be asked to wear a sticky name tag for the entire afternoon.

·        All helping parents must have a head count of the group before they leave a rotation and again once they enter the next rotation. EVERY TIME

·        No child, any age, may leave the group alone.  An adult must go along.

·        Great resources to take note of:

 

GRACE Newsletter

MACHE.org  (Minnesota Association of Christian Home Educators)

HSLDF

WASH  www.washlines.org

YMCA – Homeschool Phy Ed program meets once a month

Science and Art Enrichment classes – are also available, see a leadership member.