Back To School - Yeah, I Know We're The Last Ones To Post On This

so, today we officially started back to school. Ok, Our official official date was August 24, but we were on a staycation at the time and logging hours from our travels but not officially hitting the books. So, today was the day.

This year, I have a senior, a sophomore, and a Fifth Grader.

My senior is unschooled but working hard this year to learn enough to be launched into the world. He is looking to brush up on history, geography, calculus, and finally get his learner's driver permit. He is also writing the Android app program for his robotics team for scouting and pursuing getting certifications in computer language programs so he can start making money for his programming skills.

My sophomore is learning about the Century's historical events, Algebra II Trig, Conceptual Physical Science, English Lit, and has asked me to teach her to sew so she can make her prom dress since none she finds in the stores are modest enough for her liking. She also, of course, is taking theatre, voice, and dance again this year through Lifelight and is learning French and sign language.

My 5th Grader is doing Apologia Astronomy with A Journey Through Learning's Lapbook accompany, learning about the states, working through Spelling You See Level G, general math, and dance and theatre through Lifelight. She also will have art instruction and "the awkward book" American Girl Book about changing bodies. She actually has a birthday that is borderline for her grade level and last year chose to count herself as a 4th grader instead of keeping up the pace as a 5th grader because she wanted to avoid that book. So, it's quite possible she may end up as a 6th grader before the year is out. Time will tell.

So, I started the day so tired from our journeys. We took a 2-week tour with my musician hubby in August, came home for 10 days to do a mini staycation and then headed out for a pure vacation to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary year the same year as the Mackinaw Bridge was celebrating its 60th. So, we walked the bridge on Labor Day and then headed for Mackinac Island so the kids could experience spending the night there. To tell you the truth, I could survive quite nicely without cars and only horses and bikes. But, now we are back in town and hit the ground running with Lifelight starting yesterday and school today.

Back-To-School Supplies List for Homeschoolers

As a homeschooler, I have often wished there was a magical list to follow for buying school supplies.  But, like many homeschoolers, I have had to wing it.





This has bothered me less and less as the years go by, and I grow more and more comfortable within my own homeschooling teacher skin.  I have learned what my family uses and what they do not use.

In the meantime, I have put together a couple articles that talk about what homeschoolers need in the way of school supplies.

One of them is here on Examiner - 9 Items that should be on every homsechooler's back-to-school supply list.

One of them is here on Knoji - Back-to-School Supply List for Homeschoolers.  When I first posted this one, a few years ago, I was surprised to see a comment saying that everything on the list was accurate - Except for the Bible.  I suppose if your religion is other than Christian, the Bible may not be on top of your list, but even if you don't follow its teachings, it is a fantastic reference book for parenting tips and is worthy of having in any classroom as it is intended to be used for teaching and for dispensing wisdom.

Save Money on All your Back-to-School Shoe Needs at Famous Footwear

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Famous Footwear for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

It’s great to save money, but driving all around town to redeem a coupon isn’t always the best option.  Saving money is just the beginning of what should be a victorious shopping experience.  Your time is worth something too.  It’s nice to find everything you need in one place for a great price.

The first victory is the time you save.  Famous Footwear has all of your back-to-school shoe needs in one place.  Even for homechoolers, like us, who sometimes learn in our pajamas and comfy slippers.  They will get you in and out in no time.  If they don’t have what you want, they will get it for you and deliver it to your home or your favorite Famous Footwear store for pickup, or you can order everything online and pick them up at the store for no extra charge.

The second victory is finding what you want at a price you can afford.  Famous Footwear has hundreds of brand name shoes and thousands of styles at low prices.

To celebrate these victories Famous Footwear is offering this money-saving coupon:

BOGO + 15% off Famous Footwear Coupon

Print this coupon and redeem it at your favorite Famous Footwear location before August 18, 2012.

The coupon offers:

15% off (20% off if the customer is a Rewards member or signs up to become a Rewards member) 
+ 
BOGO (Buy One, Get One Half Off)

If you are not already a member of the Rewards Program, it is free to join.  The program offers:

• Earn 1 point for every $1 you spend in-store or online 
• Accumulate points to earn certificates up to $100 a year 
• Discount offer just for signing up 
• Other special inside discounts and perk

Back-to-School Backpack Safety Tips

Back-to-school time brings about purchasing many school supplies.  Among these supplies is a backpack.  The backpack is used to transport school books and items to and from school each day and in between classes.  While backpacks are helpful in keeping everything in one place, if filled too full they can become difficult for a child to handle and even be harmful to a child's growing body by adding stress and weight.  There are a few things to keep in mind when purchasing a backpack for your child as well as for ensuring your child's safety while using these backpacks.
Firs... From: Backpack Safety Tips for Children