Vintage Homeschool Moms

Teaching Kids To Think with Felice Gerwitz Podcast 152 Teaching Kids To Think and Make Good Decisions...  Teaching kids to think can be one of the easiest or hardest things you ever do, this topic is one I care passionately about. In this episode, I deal with laying a foundation and ways to encourage your kids to think all the time! There's more... can you help your kids learn to make good decisions? Can you help your kids think? Yes, you can! Don’t forget to click the subscribe button and follow on iTunes or download your copy today!  Thanks to our sponsors for allowing us to bring you this show as well as others on this network to you, absolutely free! Visit our sponsors: K12.com – Visit the free online school here Our sponsors make these shows free to our subscribers. Show Notes - Teaching Kids to Think Teaching kids to think for themselves is my pet peeve... one year in teaching a class at church I was astounded to find that the students could not give me answers to questions about their thoughts about God - they wanted to know if it was the correct answer... seriously! How do you raise kids that think? Can you teach kids to think? I say, yes - and here are the main points I make in this podcast on Vintage Homeschool Moms. Teaching Kids to THINK by... * Giving them a good foundation * Teach them the definition of worldview * Give them colored glasses – different colors if you can find them – discuss * Read good books as a family – read aloud – and discuss * Fill minds with GOOD – garbage in garbage out * Explain consequences – school of thought of “formation” and understanding * Give them time to think * Have good discussions – family discussions * Discuss – good – better – best – God’s version * Understanding choices  

Combat Homeschool Chaos with Felice Gerwitz Episode 151 How can you combat homeschool chaos when your life is so full and so busy? Is your homeschool out of control - did you have a really bad day and were ready to retreat? If you’ve homeschooled more than one day – you know what I’m talking about. In this episode of Vintage Homeschool Moms, Felice shares ways to combat those homeschool chaos days. Don’t forget to click the subscribe button and follow on iTunes or download your copy today!  Thanks to our sponsors for allowing us to bring you this show as well as others on this network to you, absolutely free! Visit our sponsors: K12.com – Visit the free online school here Our sponsors make these shows free to our subscribers. Combat Homeschool Chaos Show Notes: We’ve all had that really bad homeschool day when we question everything. * Our competency to homeschool * Whether or not we are ruining our kids * If we are doing the right thing * If we made a mistake Why do we question? What makes a really bad homeschool day? * What is your definition of a "bad" homeschool day? * Stop the audio and make a list of all the things that fall into this "bad" day - what are the key triggers that make you feel like the day isn't going well? Be honest. * Listen to the audio ... * After you listen to the audio - answer your own "bad" day questions. What are ways you can combat these bad days? The times when things are not going as you planned or well for you is NOT the time to psychoanalyze your decision to homeschool – JUST SAY NO to the negative thoughts… * You are competent to homeschool – there are so many programs available at the click of a mouse so that question is completely off the table. * You are NOT ruining your kids – believe me... * YOU are doing the right thing – what is happening out there in the school system? Think "common core." * You did NOT make a mistake – homeschooling is not for losers it is for people who really care enough about their kids to give “up” so the world will tell you – nothing is as important as homeschooling your children. Nothing. Please download this PDF and hang it up in your home - remind yourself this is TRUE! pursue-god-in-your-homeschool

Let's Talk - Homeschool Answers! with Felice Gerwitz and Meredith Curtis Podcast #150 What are your most pressing questions about homeschooling? Do you need some homeschool answers? In this podcast veteran homeschool moms, Felice Gerwitz and Meredith Curtis address your questions with some recommended books and wonderful resources you should not miss. If you are interested in hearing answers to your homeschool questions, please join us - and share this post with a friend! Don’t forget to click the subscribe button and follow on iTunes or download your copy today!  Thanks to our sponsors for allowing us to bring you this show as well as others on this network to you, absolutely free! Visit our sponsors: K12.com – Visit the free online school here Our sponsors make these shows free to our subscribers. Visit Powerline Productions on Amazon here Show Notes: Homeschool Answers * Why homeschool? * Various reasons including a Christian worldview * If God leads you to homeschool, He will equip you! * What do you need to homeschool? * God will provide! Many resources are available. * A love of learning alongside your children * What about curriculum? * Joyful and  Successful Homeschooling * The only book you'll ever need on the topic of homeschool! Many homeschool answers in this massive resource! * 7 R's to Homeschooling * Quick & Easy Unit Study Fun * Unlocking the Mystery of Homeschool Highschool * Teaching Science and Having Fun! * Homeschooling with toddlers- tips * Wait until naptime for some specific one-to-one * Have toys just for school time for the little one to play with * Allow the little one to sit while you read out loud - teaches many great skills * Is it too late to homeschool my kids? * Never! * Great podcast below on the topic of highschool homeschooling. * Podcast - Finish Well - Homeschool Answers for highschoolers *

Let's Talk About Why Memorization Works with Felice Gerwitz Podcast 149 Don't tell me - you have some preconceived ideas of what this podcast is all about - truthfully, I hated the idea of memorization and never required my children to do any memorization. But, memorization works! The first two children did plenty of hands-on learning, but they ended up memorizing things all on their own. My youngest three children were "subjected" to memorization and their skills improved beyond my expectations. (And, my expectations can be very high!) Join me as I discuss how memorization works and some ideas for getting started - also look at some of the resources and links below. Thanks to our sponsors!  Media Angels, Inc - lots of great discounts and sales coming soon! Click the subscribe button and follow on iTunes or download your copy today!  Thanks to our sponsors for allowing us to bring you this show as well as others on this network to you, absolutely free! Visit our sponsors: K12.com – Visit the free online school here Our sponsors make these shows free to our subscribers. Show Notes: Memorization Works! Here is the train of thought out there … * I believe kids will memorize – but things that are meaningful to them * Kids will memorize due to repetition - for example playing video games, using the manual with video hacks * Rote memory is important because it prepares them for higher learning later on * Younger children should memorize because they are like sponges and their minds are easily adaptable to more information   So what do you do?? * Are you disciplined enough to encourage memorization? * What works for you and your family? * How do your kids do with memorization of facts? * Why is it important for you to encourage your kids to memorize? Resources with Links 1. What to memorize - here 2. Why we forget things - here 3. Rote Memory - Underrated or Overrated? - here 4. Stop Making Kids Memorize Math Facts - here 5. How Kids Memorize Facts - here  

Let's Talk About Discipline Success with Felice Gerwitz Do your children know what you expect? Do you have discipline success in your home? Do your children know how to answer and when to come? Having children who are obedient and follow your lead is very important, but following these seven simple steps can be very helpful. See the show notes below. Don’t forget to click the subscribe button and follow on iTunes or download your copy today!  Thanks to our sponsors for allowing us to bring you this show as well as others on this network to you, absolutely free! Visit our sponsors: K12.com – Visit the free online school here Our sponsors make these shows free to our subscribers.               Show Notes: * Explain what you expect ahead of time. * Teach your children how to listen * use simple techniques * practice coming when you call * practice appropriate responses * short explanations and sentences * set boundaries * Implement Disciplinary Measures * identify the issue * find a solution * explain consequences * ask if the understand - tell you back * follow through * Set guidelines * Activities that build self-discipline * Set up kids for success * Use affirmations Graphic Credit: Depositphoto.com All Rights Reserved Copyright Wavebreakmedia

Let's Talk About 7 Ways To Be In Control of Your Homeschool This Year Podcast #147 By Felice Gerwitz Okay - let's face it, being in control means giving your control over to God. However, God gives us free will and the ability to make our own decisions - so let's decide to have a great year and be in control (as opposed to being out of control) this year! Here are some ways to get you started. In this podcast I discuss 7 ways to be in control this year. by Felice Gerwitz Thanks to our sponsors for allowing us to bring you this show as well as others on this network to you, absolutely free! Visit our sponsors: K12.com – Visit the free online school here Our sponsors make these shows free to our subscribers.   Visit Media Angels.com for great classes and books       Show Notes: * Routines - such as chores, schedules and opportunities for your children to grow and learn self-discipline while learning to be responsible. * Everything is not important - prioritize * Set aside time to plan * Have a plan and a backup  - and another backup * Forget perfection, just focus on one-day at a time. * Connect with like-minded people * Get everyone on board - call in the troops

Let's Talk About making this The Best Homeschool Year Ever! Lunch with Meredith Curtis and Felice Gerwitz Don’t forget to click the subscribe button and follow on iTunes or download your copy today!  Thanks to our sponsors for allowing us to bring you this show as well as others on this network to you, absolutely free! Visit our sponsors: K12.com - Visit the free online school here Our sponsors make these shows free to our subscribers. Visit Media Angels HERE andPowerline Productions HERE Meredith's List * Commit year to prayer * Kick off with enthusiasm “We’re going to learn about ….” * Organize all your books, supplies, etc so they are easy to access * Schedule -- General and for each student Felice's List * Begin with prayer - what does the Lord want you to focus on this year. * Look at each child's strength's and weaknesses - let's work on building up the weakness * Goal vs. Plan - how to make it all work together in the time you have. * Plan ahead. Make sure you have a backup plan. Photo Credit: DepositPhoto.com Copyright Angels_a

Let's Talk About Celebrating God's Goodness with Felice Gerwitz Episode 145 There are so many things happening in our lives that sometimes it is hard to stop and celebrate the things that really matter. In this episode of Celebrating God's Goodness, Felice explores some things to remember and some things to ask - no matter how you feel or what you are up against. Thanks to our sponsors! Fast Track -- Microbusiness for Teens K12.com - online or call (855)-628-9529. Show Notes: * Thankful each day even when you don't feel like it. * Ask no matter how little or how big the request. * Celebrate "big" * Shout it from the mountaintops * Keep holy the Sabbath    

  Let's Talk About Geocaching with Felice Gerwitz Have you ever wanted to learn more about geocaching? Maybe you've never heard about it? Geocaching has been around for about ten years and it is a way for people to use GPS technology to discover..."treasures" ... however, I will caution you. Treasure is in the eyes of the beholder. This is a fun activity to do with your children and don't be surprised you may have treasure in your own backyard! Have fun geocaching! Visit our sponsors: Media Angels, Inc. Educational Website - K12.com Phone: (855)-628-9529. Show Notes: * What is geocaching. * What tools do you need? * Where do you find out where to find geocaches? * What are the geocaching "rules"? * What types of geoaching is there?   Websites: Geocaching - Free account or paid versions How to play - here Photo Credit Depositphoto.com 2016 All Rights Reserved. Copyright © VIPDesignUSA

  Let's Talk about Weight Loss On Vacation! with Felice Gerwitz Of all the things you could lose on vacation, weight may not be one of them ... however, in this episode of Vintage Homeschool Moms, Felice shares some ways she has come back five and even ten pounds lighter. You won't want to miss this! And - share it with a friend. Thanks to our sponsors:   Our sponsors help pay the bills - please thank them by visiting their websites! Media Angels, Inc. - Here K12.com - here    Show Notes: Fill your day with activities – Walking Bike riding RELAX Eat local foods Share desert don’t order your own Savor every bite!! Eat slowly Share your meals Don’t eat fast food  Eat a big meal earlier in the day – snack for dinner if you are hungry Order baked – broiled or grilled foods Healthy snacks – Pack healthy snacks for family: Single servings  Trail mix or nuts/etc.  Rice cakes – or similar Snack bars high in proteins   

Let's Talk About Butterfly Watching With Kids with Felice Gerwitz Did you know there is a day in June for butterfly watchers? Did you know that butterfly watching has grown popular with good reason? One is because you need very little to get started — just a pair of binoculars, a patience, and maybe a book or two... and of course this podcast. Learn lots about butterfly watching with kids! Show Notes: Butterfly Watching with Kids Why study butterflies? What supplies are needed? Where are some places to see butterflies? When is a good time to watch for butterflies? How should you watch butterflies? How do you identify butterflies? What are some fun activities to do? Resources - https://www.fws.gov/ Best places to find butterflies: North Slope, Alaska * Sky Islands, Arizona * Sierra Nevada, California * Alpine Mountains, Colorado * Everglades National Park and Florida Keys, Florida * Ozark Mountains, Missouri * Pine Barrens, New Jersey * Lower Rio Grande Valley and Big Bend, Texas * Prairie remnants throughout the Midwest Read more:here Photo Credit - DepositPhoto.com All Rights Reserved. Copyright @cynoclub

Let's Talk About Bird Watching With Kids with Felice Gerwitz Bird Watching with Kids - Did you know that other than the amazing statistics that over 47 million people in the US that are bird watchers (Source: US Fish and Wildlife Service), you don't have to be an expert to enjoy this pastime and hobby with your kids. In this podcast, Felice discusses some ways to get the kids involved with activities, supplies needed and information to help you find great places to view birds. Sponsor - MediaAngels.com  Show Notes - Bird Watching with Kids 1. Why Bird Watch? 2. What supplies do you need? * Field guide – picture of each bird with maps and their range * Set of binoculars – greatly improved these * Notebook 3. Activities * Bird charts – laminated and at the nature stores and museums * Bird wall chart – explain how kids memorized all the birds from birds of prey to domestic birds (indigo bunting) * Notebooking – list birds observed * Charting: Keep a chart of the number of times you see a specific species * Bird feeders – make them. Nature center has great info – do not paint!! 4. Best places to see birds * Nature preserves * Wetlands * Parks * More activity at dawn * Before sunset – owls/ bats * Audubon has a bird app 5. Resources * Young Bird Watcher’s Organization – http://www.ebird.org/content/ybn * Aba.org/birdclubs * Birdlife.org * Audubon bird guide app - - Audubon.org/apps Photo Credit - DepositPhoto.com Copyright 2016 All Rights Reserved. - @Miledavies

Let's Talk About Family Reunions On The Cheap! Podcast 140 Are you planning a family reunion? How about your plans to attend one? How do you pull this off without spending a small fortune? In this podcast, Felice shares some tips on pulling off a party that your guests won't soon forget as well as making it special for all involved. Everything from planning to invitations to food. Don't forget, deciding on a budget is half the battle, and secondly who is paying for the bulk of the reunion fun? Whether you are planning a family reunion for a handful of people or a bus load you can do it under budget and still walk away with family memories to last a lifetime! Visit our sponsors MediaAngels.com  Fast Track - Micro Business For Teens - Class Online Listen to this episode - Family Vacations That Won't Break The Bank Listen to this episode - Teens and Family Vacations   Click here for the FREE Faith-based Movie Guide!     Show Notes: Family Reunions on the Cheap: Family Reunions on the Cheap Decide on: * Who is the Planning Committee * How will you communicate * Will you use social media * A Budget * What is the most you want to spend? * What is the cost per person? * Invitations * Each main family member invites their own tribe * Send out printed invitations – homemade * Mail out and print invitations professionally * Use social media to invite people * Use eVite online to invite family members * Location * Park or Public Facility * Church * Home * Invitations * Food * Simple is best * Decide on a menu * Decide on who is doing what * Kid food vs. adult food * Catering * Delivery * Pick-up * Schedule * Set up * Day of the party * Clean up * Decorations * Homemade/ computer generated * Store bought * Frills * Photographer * Party Favors * Activities for the kids   Photo Credit: All Rights Reserved. DepositPhoto.com, 2016. (c) Belchonock

Let’s Talk About Family Vacations That Won't Break The Bank with Felice Gerwitz Podcast Episode 139 Have you considered taking a vacation that won't break the bank? In this episode, Felice discusses ways her family has saved money on family trips, shorter than longer trips as well as setting up alerts for great last minute deals. Whether you decide on a stay at home vacation or a trip somewhere exotic, this episode will help get you there, and save money. Want to make money to take that trip? Visit today's sponsor, Fast Track - Microbusiness for Teens (or Adults!) Sponsor – Fast Track: MicroBusiness For Teens by Carol Topp   Show Notes: Family Vacations That Won't Break The Bank * Staycation * Local Parks and Rec * Get active * Museums * Online Travel * Set Up Alerts Online * Visit Friend and Family * House Swaps * House Exchange * Love Homeswap * 10-Things You Need To Know About House Swapping   PhotoCredit - DepositPhoto.com Copyright 2016 Yaruta  

Let’s Talk About Birthday Celebrations Never Too Old!  with Felice Gerwitz Podcast Episode 138 Whether you are celebrating a milestone birthday or enjoying the day with friends and family you can make each day special no matter what your age! Who said birthdays end at age 18? You are never too old for birthday celebrations! In this episode, I discuss birthdays with little ones, traps to avoid and how birthdays and experiences of the past have shaped my life to toning down the experience for my family. Show Notes Birthday Celebrations Never Too Old: * Parties or get together’s? * Make memories – celebrate life * Meals – breaking of bread – bread is food – symbolizing life (broken instead of cut) * Fancy vs. budget * Littler the child – rule of thumb – one friend per year * Go over rules with little ones – be thankful for each gift. New trend, presents are not opened. * Older kids/ teens – destination parties – ice skating, roller skating, themed – local pizza place does karaoke with DJ and food for two hours $200 * Adults – dinner, family cooks, cook-out, celebrate with nice plates or plastic ware! Photo Credit Deposit Photo.com @MandyGodBeHear