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ST. JOSEPH HOMESCHOOL |
APRIL 2005
Week # 1 (or 2 or 3...)
-Monday
-Tuesday
-Wednesday
-Thursday
-Friday
MARCH 2004
The Facts of Life
NOVEMBER 2003
Crafts
OCTOBER 2003
Organization
MAY 2003
Meal Planning
Step One - Gather a variety of recipes that have few ingredients, less than an hour
preparation time, and wide approval of your family.
Step Two - Make up some 3 x 5 index cards that say
Step Two - Make up some 3 x 5 index cards that say
Week # 1 (or 2 or 3...)-Monday
-Tuesday
-Wednesday
-Thursday
-Friday
(I leave off weekends because there are always plenty of leftovers to cover them.)
Step
Three - Choose and place which recipe to make on each of three or four or twelve
weeks, however many recipes you have. I
try to alternate beef, chicken, ham, pork and fish throughout the week.
And, of course each Friday is a meatless dish.
Step Four - Place in a ziploc sandwich storage bag for each week, an index card and all the recipes you will need for that week.
Step Five - Divide a piece of notebook paper into four quarters. On each quarter, label week # and any grocery items you might need to make the recipes for that week that you wouldn't necessarily always have on hand, i.e. green pepper, sour cream...
Do this for as many weeks as you have. Be sure to include anything you MIGHT not have. You can always cross items off that you don't need when that week comes. You don't want to find yourself missing some ingredient.
Step Six - Photocopy grocery lists. I make 3 or 4 copies of each page. Cut the copies into quarters and place the appropriate lists in each ziploc bag with the recipes it will supply.
Keep the master copies of the grocery lists in a gallon size ziploc bag in a kitchen drawer.
Every week, simply take one copy of the grocery list from that week's baggie. Post the 3 x 5 index card on the refrigerator so everyone can see what's for dinner all week. It also helps that you see it often to keep in mind what you'll be doing each night. (Sometimes I have to switch Monday's dinner for Thursday's because of time constraints, company, illness or whatever).
Happy meal planning!
Step Four - Place in a ziploc sandwich storage bag for each week, an index card and all the recipes you will need for that week.
Step Five - Divide a piece of notebook paper into four quarters. On each quarter, label week # and any grocery items you might need to make the recipes for that week that you wouldn't necessarily always have on hand, i.e. green pepper, sour cream...
Do this for as many weeks as you have. Be sure to include anything you MIGHT not have. You can always cross items off that you don't need when that week comes. You don't want to find yourself missing some ingredient.
Step Six - Photocopy grocery lists. I make 3 or 4 copies of each page. Cut the copies into quarters and place the appropriate lists in each ziploc bag with the recipes it will supply.
Keep the master copies of the grocery lists in a gallon size ziploc bag in a kitchen drawer.
Every week, simply take one copy of the grocery list from that week's baggie. Post the 3 x 5 index card on the refrigerator so everyone can see what's for dinner all week. It also helps that you see it often to keep in mind what you'll be doing each night. (Sometimes I have to switch Monday's dinner for Thursday's because of time constraints, company, illness or whatever).
Happy meal planning!
Marty Whelan
The Facts of Life
Peggy Ga. provided an article on the connection between abortion and breast cancer.
Christine B. reminded parents that if they are discussing the birthing of a baby or “the facts of life" with their children to ask them not to share the information with other children, as that responsibility belongs to a child’s parents.
She also recommended Fr. John Hardon’s tape set, Catholic Sexual Morality. The tapes cover the following topics with faithful adherence to the teachings of the Catholic Church:
Christine B. reminded parents that if they are discussing the birthing of a baby or “the facts of life" with their children to ask them not to share the information with other children, as that responsibility belongs to a child’s parents.
She also recommended Fr. John Hardon’s tape set, Catholic Sexual Morality. The tapes cover the following topics with faithful adherence to the teachings of the Catholic Church:
- Elevation
of Chastity by Jesus Christ
- Christianity
and Sexual Pleasure
- Psychology
and Christian Chastity
- Sexual
Pleasure Outside of Marriage
- The
Morality of Sex Stimuli
- Modesty
and Prudence
- Prayer
and Chastity
- The
Eucharist and Chastity
- Confession
and Growth in Chastity
- Chastity
and Sanctity
- Chastity and the
Pro-Life Movement
- Chastity and Eternal Life
Crafts
Mary L. suggested a woven heart-shaped pocket that can
be constructed using two contrasting colors of paper or fabric such as felt.
A handle can be added at the top to convert the pocket into a basket for
gift-giving. This is a great Valentine’s Day or Marian activity.
Peggy Gh. displayed a Christmas ornament or decoration that is made from a styrofoam ball and fabric. Various pieces of fabric are cut into miscellaneous sizes and shapes. The edges are then pressed 1/4 inch into the styrofoam ball using the end of a butter knife. The pressure of the styrofoam holds the fabric in place so no glue is needed. Tassels and other ornamentation can then be added. A loop of decorative cording can be added at the top of the ball for hanging.
Carol T. shared a Dover Book on the Twelve Days of Christmas with the group. The book is full of beautiful stained-glass like pictures displaying the Twelve Days of Christmas on a thick semi-transparent paper. Children or adults (because it did look like fun!) can color, paint or use markers to fill in the pictures which can then be hung in the windows of your home. She recommended another book to complement the Dover Book called The Real Twelve Days by Haidle which explains the origins and meaning of the 12 Days of Christmas.
Carol also shared a book published by Catholic Heritage Curricula called A Wreath of Flowers that contains many craft ideas focusing on Our Lady. It would be ideal for use during the month of May.
Donna Bisogno shared several of the traditions that her family uses to help keep the focus of the holidays on Christ and the Church rather than Santa:
* St. Lucia's Feast Day – She chooses one of her daughters to wake other family members by going from room to room dressed as St. Lucia and carrying a tray with danishes and candles. (They choose to have their daughter carry candles on the tray rather than wear them on a wreath around her head as St. Lucia did). When all are awake they gather in the living room to eat the danishes and enjoy warm drinks together.
* St. Nicholas’ Feast Day – The children put their shoes out by the front door (or fireplace). St. Nicholas fills the shoes with little treats and nutritious snacks while they are sleeping.
* Manger - Family members place a piece of raffia (makes less mess than hay) in an empty manger under the Christmas tree each time they do a good deed, make a sacrifice, or give some other gift to Jesus during Advent. When Jesus is laid in the manger on Christmas Eve, he has a soft full bed of "hay" on which to lie.
Another option - each time a family member gives a gift to Jesus, they write it down on a small hay colored slip of paper and place it in the manger.
The Ghigleri family celebrates Epiphany by processing through the house singing "We Three Kings". The children carry the three wise men, and gold coins, frankincense and myrrh (all purchased at Vercillos) to place in the family manger scene. Other than the Christmas tree and manger lights, the lights in the house are turned off and the adults carry candles.
Peggy Gh. displayed a Christmas ornament or decoration that is made from a styrofoam ball and fabric. Various pieces of fabric are cut into miscellaneous sizes and shapes. The edges are then pressed 1/4 inch into the styrofoam ball using the end of a butter knife. The pressure of the styrofoam holds the fabric in place so no glue is needed. Tassels and other ornamentation can then be added. A loop of decorative cording can be added at the top of the ball for hanging.
Carol T. shared a Dover Book on the Twelve Days of Christmas with the group. The book is full of beautiful stained-glass like pictures displaying the Twelve Days of Christmas on a thick semi-transparent paper. Children or adults (because it did look like fun!) can color, paint or use markers to fill in the pictures which can then be hung in the windows of your home. She recommended another book to complement the Dover Book called The Real Twelve Days by Haidle which explains the origins and meaning of the 12 Days of Christmas.
Carol also shared a book published by Catholic Heritage Curricula called A Wreath of Flowers that contains many craft ideas focusing on Our Lady. It would be ideal for use during the month of May.
Donna Bisogno shared several of the traditions that her family uses to help keep the focus of the holidays on Christ and the Church rather than Santa:
* St. Lucia's Feast Day – She chooses one of her daughters to wake other family members by going from room to room dressed as St. Lucia and carrying a tray with danishes and candles. (They choose to have their daughter carry candles on the tray rather than wear them on a wreath around her head as St. Lucia did). When all are awake they gather in the living room to eat the danishes and enjoy warm drinks together.
* St. Nicholas’ Feast Day – The children put their shoes out by the front door (or fireplace). St. Nicholas fills the shoes with little treats and nutritious snacks while they are sleeping.
* Manger - Family members place a piece of raffia (makes less mess than hay) in an empty manger under the Christmas tree each time they do a good deed, make a sacrifice, or give some other gift to Jesus during Advent. When Jesus is laid in the manger on Christmas Eve, he has a soft full bed of "hay" on which to lie.
Another option - each time a family member gives a gift to Jesus, they write it down on a small hay colored slip of paper and place it in the manger.
The Ghigleri family celebrates Epiphany by processing through the house singing "We Three Kings". The children carry the three wise men, and gold coins, frankincense and myrrh (all purchased at Vercillos) to place in the family manger scene. Other than the Christmas tree and manger lights, the lights in the house are turned off and the adults carry candles.
Peggy Gh.
Organization
Due to the number of organizational ideas that were shared at the October
meeting (especially by Peggy Ga), a new section has been added to the website,
Organization.
Please feel free to print the ideas for your own personal use.
Getting young children to listen
Christine B. shared how she gets her four year old
to listen. “I used to repeat myself five times to no avail. Now I simply get my daughter’s attention and
make my request. After I have spoken to
my daughter, I ask her if she heard me. Then I ask her, ‘What did I say?’ Finally, I tell her
to do what I asked. She
happily does as I have asked. Knowing
that she is able to help ‘Mommy’ has been a great confidence-builder.”
JANUARY 2003
Spirituality in the home
Lori D. gave a very informative presentation on the Regnum Christi movement and its associated organizations.
Periodicals sent around the table:
NOVEMBER 2002
- * St. Joseph Messenger - for ages 9 to adult
Holy Thursday - Bake fish-shaped bread and serve it with "wine" (grape juice)
Easter - Family members stand in a circle with their hard boiled Easter eggs in hand. The first person turns to one side and says to the person next to him "He is risen.", the second person responds, "Truly, He has risen." and they crack their two eggs together. The second person then turns to the individual on his opposite side and repeats the process. This continues around the circle until the first person has the chance to respond "Truly, He has risen." A fun way to crack Easter eggs on Easter morning!(Peggy Gh.)
Lay Orders
APRIL 2002
In November the Mom’s meeting focused on Lay
Orders. Three Religious Groups were
represented: the Franciscans, the
Dominicans, and the Discalced Carmelites. Also, representatives from the Legion of Mary spoke about active and
auxiliary membership. All the talks included information about the history of the order and the prayer life of its
members. Our own Carol T. gave a
truly (Holy) spirit-filled talk on the Carmelites. For further information please contact Rebecca C., who did
a great job organizing this event.
(Mary L.)
Character Development and Discipline
MARCH 2002
This was a very productive meeting in which many topics were covered. Regarding character development
and discipline, the following suggestions were made:
Donna B. highly recommended La Leche League’s books on discipline. Although she doesn’t agree with all of what La Leche League says on discipline, she does believe they have a very sound approach. She has found their suggestions helpful with her children.
Christine B. recommended Dr. Ray Guarendi for his discipline techniques. He can be heard on Sacred Heart Radio. He has also written several books on raising children, among them You’re a Better Parent than You Think.
When discussing how to help children behave at Mass, the following ideas were given:
Mary L. shared how she used to have a little fur mouse in her pocket, which she reserved specifically for use during Mass. She also suggested a mother on her own, sit next to someone else to help keep the children quiet.
Denise S. spoke of the importance of taking children to Mass, while being sensitive to their needs. She believes children should be taken to the crying room only when it becomes necessary.
Donna B. highly recommended La Leche League’s books on discipline. Although she doesn’t agree with all of what La Leche League says on discipline, she does believe they have a very sound approach. She has found their suggestions helpful with her children.
Christine B. recommended Dr. Ray Guarendi for his discipline techniques. He can be heard on Sacred Heart Radio. He has also written several books on raising children, among them You’re a Better Parent than You Think.
When discussing how to help children behave at Mass, the following ideas were given:
Mary L. shared how she used to have a little fur mouse in her pocket, which she reserved specifically for use during Mass. She also suggested a mother on her own, sit next to someone else to help keep the children quiet.
Denise S. spoke of the importance of taking children to Mass, while being sensitive to their needs. She believes children should be taken to the crying room only when it becomes necessary.
How do families overcome cabin fever?
Everyone agreed that spending sunny days outside is
important.
Christine B. recommended impromptu field trips.
Mary L. suggested having a formal snack around 10. She sets the table with her nice placemats and napkins, and makes smoothies with frozen fruit.
DECEMBER 2001
Christine B. recommended impromptu field trips.
Mary L. suggested having a formal snack around 10. She sets the table with her nice placemats and napkins, and makes smoothies with frozen fruit.
Routines/Organization: How do you make your day work?
Joseph Cardinal Mindszenty
Copyright © 2002, 2006 TCB. All rights reserved.
Picture copyright The Congregation of Marians of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, used with permission.
Donna B., Peggy Gh., Lisa H., and Mary L. provided some great tips on how they stay organized and make
homeschooling work.
Donna uses lesson plan books effectively. She has also found that exercise and some time to herself early in the morning and late in the evening help her keep things running smoothly. She suggested taking walks with younger children.
Peggy recommends the use of a playpen with special toys for babies and toddlers.
Lisa likes a vertical planner, as opposed to the traditional horizontal planner. She has also found that www.titus2.com has some excellent resources for staying organized.
Mary has printed out what her children need to do in a designated binder. The children check off assignments as they are completed. She has a catch-up week when the children complete any assignments that have not been checked off.
Goal setting was also discussed as an effective means of staying organized.
Donna uses lesson plan books effectively. She has also found that exercise and some time to herself early in the morning and late in the evening help her keep things running smoothly. She suggested taking walks with younger children.
Peggy recommends the use of a playpen with special toys for babies and toddlers.
Lisa likes a vertical planner, as opposed to the traditional horizontal planner. She has also found that www.titus2.com has some excellent resources for staying organized.
Mary has printed out what her children need to do in a designated binder. The children check off assignments as they are completed. She has a catch-up week when the children complete any assignments that have not been checked off.
Goal setting was also discussed as an effective means of staying organized.
The Most Important Person on
earth is a mother. She cannot
claim the honor of having built Notre Dame Cathedral. She need not. She has
built something more magnificent than any cathedral – a dwelling for an
immortal soul, the tiny perfection of her baby’s body…The angels have not been
blessed with such a grace. They cannot
share in God’s creative miracle to bring new saints to Heaven. Only a human mother can. Mothers are
closer to God the Creator than any other creature; God joins forces with mothers in performing this
act of creation…What on God’s good earth is more glorious than this: to be a mother?
Picture copyright The Congregation of Marians of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, used with permission.