Lisa Russell's Blog

Posted by Lisa Russell

Nominations for the best Homeschool Blog Awards are complete and now it's time for you to cast your vote for the Best Homeschool Blog. However, it's not that simple. There are several categories you get to vote in.

Just in case my blog, Mrs Hannigan's Home for Girls, wasn't nominated, feel free to pencil it in wherever you think it fits:)

1. Best Homeschool Mom Blog

2. Best Homeschool Dad Blog

3. Best Blog Design

4. Best Photos and Artistic Content Blog

5. Best Crafts, Plans & Projects Blog

6. Best Family or Group Blog

7. Best Encourager

8. Best “Live-What-You-Believe” Homeschool Blog

9. Best Unschooling Blog

10. Best Eclectic Homeschooling

11. Best Geographical Blog

12. Best Current Events, Opinions or Politics Blog

13. Best Homemaking or Recipes Blog

14. Best Teen Girl Blog

15. Best Teen Guy Blog

16. Best Teen Group Blog

17. Funniest Homeschool Blog

18. Best Cyber-Buddy Blogger

19. Best Curriculum or Business Blog

20. Best Variety

21. Best Thrifty Homeschooler

22. Best SUPER-HOMESCHOOLER

23. Best Nitty-Gritty Homeschool Blog

24. Best NEW Homeschool Blog

25. Best Homeschooling Methods Blog

Posted by Lisa Russell

While researching about free book exchange websites for the article Free Homeschool Books to Trade, Swap or Download, I came across such a wide variety of programs. I was surprised to see that some of the automatic google ads that popped up in my search were actually free programs. They offer free participation, all you need to do is register on their website to trade books. One program, a bartering website, allowed visitors to trade everything under the sun, like real estate and RV's.

Anyway, check out both of the articles linked above, and try a book exchange program today:)

Posted by Lisa Russell

Last Winter I was lucky enough to get an advance copy of Teen Entrepreneur Success Secrets The stories of these teenage business owners was inspiring and exciting. I ended up researching adn writing about the benefits of being a homeschooled High School Entrepreneur. Several homeschooling families use the togetherness of the lifestyle, along with the obvious educational benefits of living and working together to create their own homeschool family businesses. Finally, many homeschooling moms decide to follow their entreprenurial dreams and start their own business, or get a job working from home. Working from home and homeschooling are a dream come true for many families. Complete independence and self-sufficiency are values that run counter to society's message that seems to say "go to school and get a job." Instead, these un-jobbing families are teaching kids that they're capable of taking care of themselves and that anything worth having is worth going out there to get, instead of sitting around waiting for a raise, improve your business. Instead of looking for a job, look for an opportunity. In my mind, it's a very American thing to do, and a lifestyle that speaks to the highest values of personal responsibility. I hope you enjoy the resources and ideas I've found while working on this series of articles. Homeschooled teen entreprenuers and their parents are some of my favorite people.

Posted by Lisa Russell

I discovered a wonderful website today by Carletta Sanders. She's a Texas Homeschooling mom who has created an amazing website. Successful Homeschool website features a rundown on state laws, curriculum reviews, homeschool methods, and tons of fantastic resources. She's working on an ebook, so I went ahead and subscribed to her newsletter. I will be sure to announce when that ebook is released, I hope you enjoy her work. I found her through Google Knols, she's written a great wikipedia-type article on homeschooling.

Posted by Lisa Russell

Every year, the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts selects a theme for the international Thinking Day Observance. Themes generally reflect issues and concerns that affect the lives of girls throughout the world, and the purpose of the day is to get girls everywhere thinking of each other. Girl Guides and Girl Scouts are encouraged to regard each other as sisters, and it's important to know what your sisters are struggling with. In 2009, the theme was "Stop the Spread of diseases" and educational materials were distributed to help girls learn about the struggles girls in the world are having with AIDS, malaria and other diseases. Curriculum is available on the WAGGGS website for leaders to use in their groups and troops.

I wrote a rather long piece on my personal blog regarding my experience with World Thinking Day this year, I hope you enjoy it!

Posted by Lisa Russell

I'm planning to do one for each grade level, but I had to share the first one I made. This is for first grade but is easily adapted for younger kids. For years I've kept a reading list in my purse, and whenever we go to thrift shops, if I see a book that looks like it might be on that list, I don't have to guess I can just check the list. Books that we already have are crossed off. In 15 years I have reprinted it 2 or 3 times. I learned the trick from Amy Dacyzyn (I think that's spelled right, it's pronounced "decision") Authod of the tightwad gazette. She keeps a similar list of kids clothes they have, so that when she's out she isn't tempted to get yet another pair of embroidered jeans size 12 because she KNOWS she already has 25 pairs, and only 1 pair of size 2's (I do that all the time)

Anyhow, the first grade book list is HERE. enjoy.

Posted by Lisa Russell

I mean, how many people really make it as professional singers? And, of those that do, how many would I be proud to have as a daughter? She's far too sweet and straight-laced to be a Britney Spears. (Why do always imagine the worst?) SO- our winter spent watching house marathons has paid off in a big way. She's been studying the human body and all its systems and functions, memorizing latin words for body fluids and creating a plan that gets her into medical school. I am impressed and grateful that she's wanting to take advantage of our state's Running Start program that allows high schoolers to take courses at the community college and earn dual credits, so they can graduate high school with their first two years of college under their belt. The best part is, it's free. whew. 6 years to go.

Posted by Lisa Russell

Sarah Sellers is the mother of two girls and she's homeschooling in England. I just wanted to share her site, let me know if you find yourself speaking with a british accent whilst reading her website. She makes some fantastic games and activities for her children and takes great pictures. I hope you enjoy her snowflake game, her time line and her homemade writing journals. Sharing the blogs of people in other countries is something my older girls enjoy. Getting to know people in faraway lands is very exciting. Have a great day.