Is $1 Cheap Enough?

I am always looking for an inexpensive and quick

 learning manipulatives.

File folder games work well for me because they are easy to store,

and can usually be self-correcting.

During back to school shopping,

Target sold file folder games in their dollar section.

That's cheap enough for me!

Using one of my favorite DIY tools,

self adhesive laminating sheets,

I quickly covered the game board...

and the pieces.

A cheaper and easier to find alternative is clear Contact paper,

but the laminating sheets are clearer and a bit stiffer.

Then using another favorite tool,

my little cutting thing,

I cut apart the game pieces.

DONE.

You can use the pieces as a memory game,

with pieces turned down,

or as a matching game,

where you put down one set of cards,

then match up the second set.

The only caution in buying school materials not created by

educational companies, is to watch for inaccuracies.

I bought a poster from a dollar store that was missing

several letters from the Spanish alphabet.

Some math booklets and games progess too quickly for age level.

You don't want to jump from 2 + 2 = 4

to

8 + 9 = 17

A phonics item might use words that begin with the correct letter,

but not the correct phonetic sound.

Church would NOT be a good clue word for the letter "c."

The Dollar Tree stores have been known to occasionally

get a small shipment from Evan Moor company.

Be on the look out for inexpensive, easy and accurate

 manipulatives to enhance your curriculum.

What inexpensive treasures have you found lately?

Why I Teach Health

At first it seemed a waste of time.

I thought Health curriculums, especially in the younger years,

just taught things that Moms should be teaching at home - 

combing hair, brushing teeth, manners and nutrition.

In the older years, they were teaching things I

DEFINITELY

wanted to be the one to  introduce to my children.

Then, I learned what other parents have sadly learned.

Just because I am teaching it, doesn't mean my kids are learning.

Physically hearing doesn't impart knowledge,

physically hearing along with a willingness to comply

 and believe imparts knowledge.

I have also learned that kids are slower to believe what I tell them because, well,

I'm just their Mom.

Not dissin' my kids, just stating a fact.

Point in case, coint in pace, CASE in POINT....I always get that mixed up...

This morning my daughter, Rebekah, said, "Mom, did you know..."

(When they say this, not only do I know, I probably told them no less than 100 times.)

"...that you're supposed to wash your hands several times a day?"

Seriously?

Like I have said that, stated that, demanded that,
ok YELLED that
a gajillion, bajillion times?

REALLY?

Kids believe other people. 

It's a sad fact. 

My oldest daughter came home from her four months stint in 2nd grade public school

 and insisted horses used to have toes. 

No matter what creation things we showed her, she wouldn't budge.

It's a frightening truth that can be used for your advantage.

Kids believe other people. 
My daughter washes her hands and combs her hair

several times a day because her book told her.

I'm not washing my hands of this health curriculum, that's for sure.