Some FAQ’s….Answered!

Here in the past couple of weeks we have gotten a few e-mails asking some really good questions, and a couple of them have asked the same really good questions.  So, just in case a couple of you out there have thought “Why do they….?” or “What is that…?” or “How do I….?”  We are going to try and answer them….some of them.  🙂 

How do I download the unit? 
Just click on the banner image, like this:
A window should pop up so you can download the unit in zip file.  You will need to have any pop-up blockers on your computer disabled, or it just won’t work.  After you download the file, you will need to extract the files to view them one at a time.  You won’t have to print all of the files, you can view and print the ones you’d like. 

Do you do all of these printables with your kids every week?
NO. We pick and choose the printables that work for our kids.  Kiddos are different and you as the parent know them best.  Our goal is to provide a variety of ways to learn, so that you can decide what is best for your kiddos!

What should I be doing with my kid each week anyway? 
Only you can decide that.  We do try follow some sort of routine at our house, but Madonna follows a completely different one.  We try to have school three days a week, and we try to have something to do each “school day” in Language Arts, Math, and Science/Practical Living.  On our off days we might do one of our “extras”, like the crafts, the recipes, or the centers.  Currently, our “school time” lasts about 45-1 hour.   We do calendar time also, and you can read more about that over at 1+1+1=1 or Homeschool Creations.

Why do you post the way you do? 
The weeks posts, and their order, don’t really have a purpose any more.  In the beginning, we waited to post the printables until Friday because we wanted a chance to teach them and tweak them if necessary.  Now, we just follow the routine we set. Currently our routine is an introduction to the theme on Monday with some ideas for learning centers.  Tuesdays and Thursdays are craft, field trips, or kitchen ideas.  Wednesdays are designated for memory verse helps and devotions.  And as most of you know, Friday is the day we share our expanded unit!   

Should I be teaching the unit as your posting it?
Our intention is that mommies will use the week to gather ideas and prepare to teach a unit in the weeks following its posting. 

What is this and how do I use it? 

No printable has caused quite so much confusion!  This is a magnet page.  You can use it several different ways, but the “holes” in the page are to be cover with something.  You can use several different things with your magnet pages. Do-a-Dot Paints work great, but then you’ll only get one use out of them.  You can also laminate the pages and using Bingo Chips, Power Magnets or homemade pom-pom magnets with them.  We like to switch it up. Why would you do this with your kid?  Primarily because its a way to help with letter recognition, while also working fine motor muscles. Of course, our kiddos think they are a lot of fun as well!

We hope this clears some things up!  If there are some more questions that we haven’t answered, post them or e-mail us, and we will do our best to answer them!