Mama's Tools

Since I once again deleted another blog I’m now resigned to writing in word and copying to HSB.  UGH!!

Since Janne came over to personally tell me about her contest I'm giving it a whirl.  Here goes……..

So, onto my favorite homeschool tools:

May I first say that I’ve only been at this for two years so the resources I have will probably be very different from you veterans out there. 

Category: Techie stuff

1. My first is my computer….a Dell Inspiron 6000
2. Second is my printer…..HP Photosmart 7960
3. Third is my Kodak Digital Easyshare DX6490 and my Canon Digital Rebel (it’s the king daddy of cameras!!)
4. Last but not least is my sweet hubbies job that allows for the above purchases.
   

Category:  Internet stuff

1. HSB – you guys have been so encouraging, so loving, and so inspiring.  I think all of us have felt some of the same feelings at one time of another.  Feelings of inadequacy as a mom, feelings of joy, triumph!  Thanks for being there for me!
2. Montessori Homeschooling
3. EEK (Environmental Education for Kids) or Critter Corner also Nature Notes.
4. The Parent Center (this has helped in learning styles and other cool stuff)
5. Timberdoodle.com
6. Trigger Memory Systems (Times Tales)
7. Learning Page.com
8. Enchanted Learning.com (this has been wonderful for both my 1^st grader and K5er)
9. Edhelper.com
   

Category:  craft stuff

1. My paper cutter (a necessity)
2. Craft scissors with lots of assorted edges
3. Elmer’s Glue and Craft Glue
4. Duct Tape (it’s amazing)
   

Category:  Other stuff

1. Kumon Workbooks (I found these at Books A Million and have used them for K5 and 1^st grade)  I love their tracing book that gets kids ready for writing.  It helped my 4 year old so much.  He’s writing letters now with ease.  The Kumon tracing book (link to photo on Amazon.com) is very colorful and has wonderful mazes to practice prehandwriting skills.
2. Sing Spell Read and Write
3. Lots of lined paper from CVS or The Dollar Store
4. a big roll of brown craft paper I found at Staples for only $3 or so.  At the teacher store it’s outrageous.
5. Xyron Clear Laminate Roll (on clearance at Walmart and works like a charm!)
6. Hole punch
7. Sewing stuff.  Fun fabrics.  Colored thread.  One of those ring thingies that holds the material (I think they are for crossstitching)
8. Devotions for the Children’s Hour by Kenneth Taylor isbn#00080002425143 
   

Category:  Really Cool Other Stuff

1. Nature. 
2. The Zoo
3. The Park
4. My kids
   
5. Church
6. God (my very favorite) and His Word!!!