List of Top 100 Educational Technology Blogs

Here is a link to the top 100 educational technology blogs that I plan to work my way through and thought you might want to try it too:
http://www.onlinedegrees.org/top-100-technology-blogs-for-teachers/

I already use Cindy Brock's blog (from Presbyterian Day School in Memphis, TN) and get lots of great info from it.

Happy Reading!

Martha and Mary

I've come to the realization that I am most definitely a Martha and not just a normal Martha but a Mega Hyper Martha.  I don't know what is built into my natural being that makes me want to always be doing and not very often just being - as in the Lord's command to "be still and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10).  I could be described as a "human doing" rather than a "human being". 

I have been described recently as a steamroller (by my dad who followed this remark with a comment to the effect of the fact that he finds it easier to just get out of my way but that he is usually very pleased with the results of my steamrolling).  I do like to keep moving, to have lots of projects going, to keep my mind going by learning and reading, etc.  My poor shy mom (painfully shy) used to get so desperate when I was a kid that she would actually go door-to-door in the neighborhood to find someone to play with me since I was wearing her out. 

There is good to be found in my being a high energy person.  I know that the Lord made me this way on purpose (as if he does anything any other way) knowing what life had in store for me. I know that I couldn't be a wife of a disabled person, a caregiver to my dad, a mother to a son with Asperger's and to a busy daughter, a sister, a teacher, and all that I am called to be without lots of energy.  That thought makes me thankful.  It was no mistake that I am in the situation I am in and God lovingly made me like I am to bless me and those in my life.  I am thankful for my family, my job, my hobbies, my personality. 

That being said, I know that I often kick into overdrive and forget to stop and truly spend time at the feet of Jesus.  He and I talk during the day, I listen to and sing music about Him, I listen to podcasts of preachers and Christian authors and speakers, but all of that is done on the go.  I forget to have that private, truly still, truly quiet time with Him sometimes.  I talk "to" Him but forget to be still and listen for His response, for His Words in my heart and in my spirit.  I consciously pray for wisdom in decisions and I am learning to slow down before making big (especially expensive) changes and ask for His direction.  My desire is for my life to glorify and please Him always but I sometimes forget that I am also supposed to be in a rewarding, rich, fulfilling relationship with Him - one that benefits me and one that He desires. 

I am praying that I will take time, especially this summer when I am being blessed with summer break, to be a Mary and to sit at the feet of my Lord.  After all, only one thing is needed.

From the Bible, NIV Version:
 ³⁸As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. ³⁹She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. ⁴⁰But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!"
 ⁴¹"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, ⁴²but only one thing is needed.^[f] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."
 Luke 10:38 - 42.

Multiple Intelligences for Kids

I just ordered You're Smarter Than You Think - A Kid's Guide to Multiple Intelligences by Thomas Armstrong from Amazon, received it today and read it this evening.  It is an excellent, kid-friendly description of multiple intelligences and different kinds of "smarts".

I have always thought that Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences was an excellent description of the way that God made us all different with strengths and weaknesses in different areas - all designed so that that we may live our lives to glorify Him and benefit others as well as find joy in living life as we were designed to live.  We are fearfully and wonderfully made by God exactly like we are supposed to be.  It reminds me of the Bible verse in Proverbs that we should bring up our children in the way they should go, or more accurately, the way they are "bent" or made. 

This book takes Howard Gardner's ideas and makes them extremely accessible to kids. He calls the areas: 

1. Word Smart
2. Music Smart
3. Logic Smart
4. Picture Smart
5. Body Smart
6. People Smart
7. Self Smart
8. Nature Smart

He mentions often that we are all smart in each area but we may be stronger in some areas than others.  Each chapter begins with a quiz to pinpoint some ways that you might be smart in that area.  After the quiz, Armstrong defines what it means to be that type of smart, lists fun ways to become more smart in that area, what to do if you aren't strong in that area, and what to do if you are strong in that area.  He then lists future careers that use that strength and finally, resources (such as books, music, software, and websites) to "get smart" in that intelligence.  He also sprinkles "Did You Know?" boxes throughout the text with fun facts and ideas. 

I plan to have Daniel and Heather read at least some of this book for homeschool. It is important to me that both of my kids know that God has made them just like they are supposed to be and that they are smart in many areas.  Even though they may not be good at a certain area academically, they can get better and even though they may be good at a certain subject, they can still improve in that subject or area of intelligence, as well.  I know they can really use their gifts and "smarts" to live a fulfilling, joyful, creative, valuable and Godly life that glorifies God and helps others. 

It would be useful to anyone, young or old, to get a better sense of their strengths and areas they can stand to improve and this book is an easy and enjoyable read to start one on the path to a greater self awareness.  This book is a great way to do that!

Home Remodeling and Change

Daniel asked me last night why I liked to change things so often around the house. He said he thought things were just fine the way they were (he said this while helping me scrape off an almost unscrape-able wall paper border in the kitchen so that could factor into his question).  I had to think a minute but my reply basically consisted of the following ideas.  I like to make the world around me more enjoyable and more beautiful.  I like to use the creativity that God gave me to model His creativity in the world around me.  I like for my environment to make me smile and to be enjoyable to view.  I like to improve things. I like to express myself in the home remodeling I do and to make the place better for my family.  Re-painting is an easy way to to that and other remodeling is another way.  Quilting is another way I express my creativity as is gardening (vegetables and flowers).

Change in general isn't easy for a lot of people.  I actually am the opposite - I enjoy change and get bored if things stay the same all the time.  This is true of me in my job, in the house, in my hobbies, and more.  I am sure I wouldn't be a huge fan of constant major change.  We moved every year or two for a while and that definitely got old.  It is nice to have been in the same house for 6 years and to get to improve it bit by bit.

So, change can be good, if it is for the better.  I am looking forward to the end result of the changes in our home this summer - adding on a master bedroom and bathroom and fixing up the kitchen. 

I have been clued in to some great websites for home remodeling and re-design. They are:  Knock-off Wood and Copy Cat Chic.  I have also been shopping on Amazon and Overstock for bargains. 



 

Temple Grandin - Autism

I am currently reading The Way I See It: A Personal Look at Autism and Asperger's by Temple Grandin.  She has Asperger's and has written quite a bit on Autism and Asperger's from a personal perspective.  This book is a collection of articles that she wrote in the Autism and Asperger's Digest.  So far, I have only read about 3 chapters but it is fascinating to get a glimpse of what is in the head of my son and other kids with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). 

In one article, she discusses the way that she thinks visually and I know that this is true of my son.  She also talks about other areas of giftedness that folks with ASD may have such as mathematical, visual-spatial (building/hands-on), or musical.

She has spent a lot of focused time studying social skills and how to relate to others and she has used that study to improve her ability to help others.  In her speeches and books, she is blessed to be able to provide a unique insight to desperate parents who find themselves with no or little understanding of their child.

I am very interested to continue to read her book and maybe some of her other books for the fascinating insight that she provides by not only having Asperger's but being able to communicate to others about what her life and challenges are like.

By the way, HBO (I think) did a movie about her that is coming out on DVD very soon.  I am very excited to be able to view that. 

Vampires

I just finished "The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner" by Stephanie Meyer.  I am an admitted Twilight Saga fan so this was an engaging read.  It is the story of Bree Tanner, one of the newborns who are used by the Volturi to try to wipe out the Cullen family.  It was an interesting perspective and kind of sad getting to "know" her since I knew the way her story would end. 

I like Stephanie Meyer's style of writing - it is easy to read and just draws you in.  It is not often that I buy a book that absolutely requires that I go out to the store at midnight to buy the next book in the series like I did with the Twilight book.  I like the way she lets you get to know the characters and connect with them.  I also am a big fan of the "morality" in the books - the focus on self-control (with the vegetarian vampires), hard choices, good vs. evil, etc. It is complicated enough not to be boring but not so complicated that you lose track of who is who and what is what.  

Sometimes you just enjoy a quick read that lets you check back into a familiar and enjoyable story and that was what this novella was - enjoyable.  And, yes, I am going to the Eclipse movie later this month......

Couponing

I started doing the whole money-saving coupon thing last year and I must admit it isn't going too well right now.  I went to a coupon workshop at church taught by the lady from Southern Savers.  I learned a lot but I'm certainly not saving as much as she does each time I shop.  I think my issue is that I don't always want or need the products that are on sale and have a coupon to go with them.  I am stockpiling and trying to go along with the six week rotation and trying to pay the lowest price on items.  I think my family just has too many specific items that we purchase that don't have coupons.  I do try to check the websites (like the Southern Savers and Time 2 Save) for deals on things I DO buy and that helps.  I have come to the point that anything I save is a good thing so it is worth it to cut coupons and save them.  I use the binder/notebook, divided into categories, with baseball card sleeves to hold the coupons.  It doesn't hurt to take it with me when I shop and use what I can.  I am particularly fond of places that double coupons (most the time only under 55 cents but that is still good) like Bi-Lo and Publix.  I do feel a sense of victory when I combine a coupon that doubles with a great sale like a buy one get one free sale.

So, although I haven't lowered my grocery bill to $40/week, I am still glad to look for bargains, sales, and use coupons. Every little bit helps.

iPad!!!!

I just got my (okay, the school's) new iPad today!  We are going to use iPad's in a pilot program at Brainerd Baptist School in the fall and I get to explore this summer so I can help teach it to the K4/preschool students.  I bet they will take to it easily and intuitively - the whole digital native idea. 

I really am impressed by it - easy to use, intuitive, AND it comes with iBook (book reader app) and Winnie the Pooh - with pictures!!    I've already found tons of free early childhood apps.  Here are the ones I've downloaded to try:

1. 3D Spinart
2. Elias Farms
3. I Hear Ewe
4. Hand Paint
5. Dictionary
6. Sudoku
7. Sight Words
8. Flash to Pass Free
9. Mahjongg
10. 123 Writing
11. Guess 'em (like Guess Who)
12. Kids Math Free
13. Memory Cards
14. Checkers
15. Baby Classical - Bach Vol 1
16. Brain Pop (video podcast)
17. Cyberbullying by Garfield
18. This Day in History
19. Teach Me Kindergarten
20. States and Capitals Free
21. Mad Libs Library

I am hoping to download some things from PBS Kids and Scholastic too.

For iBooks, I've downloaded some books from Project Gutenberg:

1. The Jungle Book
2. A Child's First Picture Book
3. A Child's Story of the Bible
4. Sleeping Beauty - A Moment to Remember (from Disney but free)
5. Jane Eyre (for me - not the kids)

Of course, with WiFi access, I can get to YouTube and other Internet kids' websites.

I am really thinking this is going to be GREAT to work with K4 students and older.  The kids are going to jump right into it and love it.

I'll keep you updated on what we (my kids and I) like and the iPad in general.

Here are some Educational Apps websites I am going to look at:

1. Apps for Education
2. IEAR - Apps for Education
3. Apple Apps for Education
4. PBS Kids Mobile Apps
5. Publisher's Weekly on iPad books by Scholastic (being developed)

More later.....

Lots of Great Local Homeschool Classes

We have made use of lots of great local homeschool classes and resources.  Here are the ones we've used over the last two years:

1. The Creative Discovery Museum Science Theater - Homeschool Science classes (each month has a different theme like the Human Body or Rockets - loved it!)
2. The Tennessee Aquarium Homeschool Science Classes and Homeschool Day - last year's theme was marine life and next year's theme is the natural plants and wildlife in our area
3. Chess Club with CSTHEA (Daniel loved Chess club and made lots of friends too)
4. Challenger Center special homeschool camp and summer camp (both kids)
5. Private tutoring in handwriting and social skills (Daniel)
6. A couple of mandolin lessons for Daniel at Mountain Music on Dayton Boulevard

Next year, we are adding:

1. Middle school math at Hilger Higher Learning (for both kids)
2. Monthly middle school socials (board games and stuff like that) with CSTHEA
3. Mia Cucina cooking classes (lots of fun - Heather did them on Sundays sometimes this year)
4. Heather is doing a summer drama camp at Chattanooga Christian School
5. Daniel is doing a summer sailing camp at the Privateer Yacht Club
6. Art classes 
7. Piano lessons (for Heather - she already takes them but will continue)

So, you can see we don't have any lack of social situations and opportunities for new friendships AND lots of fun ways to learn!

Quilt Stores and Websites

Since I've just finished a week of lovely quilting at my Aunt Lois's house with my daughter, I thought I'd share some lovely quilt stores and websites.

First of all, my local Chattanooga quilt store is Lavender Lime - nice folks, pretty good fabric stock and good classes.  They also sell Bernina and Handi Quilter (longarm quilting machine that I have).  I got some great long arm quilting classes from a HQ trainer at the shop. 

Some good Nashville shops are:  The Stitcher's Garden in Franklin, TN - very large stock of fabric for quilting but chaotic and disorganized - still worth a trip to find lots of choices; Lebanon Sew and Vac - good selection of fabric, books, and notions, very nice people, and they sell HQ and other machines.  Those are the two I went to last week. 

Quilting websites that I like:

• Hancock's of Paducah
• Equilter.com
• The Quilt Show with Alex Anderson and Ricky Tims
• Waterfall Quilts (a pattern and designer)
• McCall's Quilting (I subscribe to Quick Quilts, American Patchwork and Quilting, and Quilt)
• Sew Batik (has great 108 inch wide Batik backing)
• Quilting by the Bay - a great quilt shop near Panama City Beach, FL with a good website too
• Moda Bake Shop - has great patterns with Moda fabric; this is the website where we got our Kindle cover pattern (my daughter Heather has a Kindle and loves it)

I'll post some pictures of some of our quilts sometime soon!

Homeschooling - Getting Started and Social Studies Curriculum

I am often asked by new homeschoolers how we got started and what we do for homeschooling.  We began two years ago by just registering with our local educational agency (LEA) and reporting the days attended to them at the middle of the year an the end of the year.  A good link is the "Getting Started Homeschooling in Tennessee" website.  We didn't have a particular curriculum but studied in an eclectic way in the first year.  We have used some of the following curriculum resources in Social Studies:

• Ancient Civilizations & the Bible: From Creation to Jesus Christ (History Revealed) 
• The Story of the World: History for the Classical Child, Volume 2: The Middle Ages: From the Fall of Rome to the Rise of the Renaissance, Revised Edition
• The Discovery Channel
• The History Channel
• Christian Heroes of History like George Mueller George Mueller: The Guardian of Bristol's Orphans (Christian Heroes: Then & Now) 
• Torchlighter's DVDs like Eric Liddell Torchlighters: Eric Liddell 

I will post other curriculum ideas and resources in the future.  

What I've Been Reading This Week - Autism

This week I've been reading the book Finding Your Child's Way on the Autism Spectrum by Dr. Laura Hendrickson.  I heard about this book on Midday Connection on Moody Radio (WMBW in Chattanooga).  The author has a son who was diagnosed as Autistic as a preschooler but, after much therapy, is now a successful college student and no longer autistic.  My son has an Asperger's diagnosis so I wanted to read her book and see what might be helpful to me.  She also homeschooled her son for a while and I have homeschooled Daniel since the middle of fifth grade and he will be in eighth grade next year.  It is proving to be a helpful book so far, especially in light of the fact that it is the first book I've read about the Autism spectrum that addresses it from a Christian perspective.  I have often wondered how this "challenge" that Daniel has that affects relationships with other people would affect him in his relationship with a particular heavenly Person.  I'm not finished with the book yet but I'll give you an update when I am.

I recently became a published author for the first time!  I wrote an article for the Autism Asperger's Digest's May-June 2010 issue.  My article was on homeschooling as an educational choice for someone whose child is on the autism spectrum.  It has been the ideal solution for us to homeschool Daniel. 

Greetings and Salutations

I would like to introduce myself. I am a Christian, a homeschooling mom, a technology educator at Brainerd Baptist School, a reader, a quilter, a home remodeler, a writer, a mom of a teenage son with Asperger's and a tween daughter, a wife of a disabled husband, a daughter whose dad lives with her, a sister, a niece, and much more I'm sure. I hope to have much to share about things that are actually interesting to others and maybe some things that are not. Enjoy!