Wednesday, September 08, 2010

First Day of School and Chalkboard Paint Speech Balloons

Yesterday was the first day of school for my girls. We've always sent them to a private Christian school until this year. In June, we suddenly changed our plans. It was clearly God's will for our family, even so it wasn't easy.

It was a wet and rainy day!!

Our girls are now being home-schooled but not in a traditional home-school fashion. We belong to a sort of heavy duty home-school co-op (we refer to it as assisted learning or assisted home-schooling). We contract a teacher and three days a week we meet at the home of the family who organizes our program and our children receive instruction from the teacher and parents.

K wanted to pose with her new FurReal Parrot that she bought with money she received from her Grammy.

I am going to teach art two times a week. So yesterday was my first project (and yeah for me a Stashbuster too (check out Robin's Stashbusting September to learn more about what I am talking about))

Before I show you our first craft, I have to apologize. I found this idea at a blog I follow and I've searched and searched and can't find it!! Please tell me who it is!!

Chalkboard Paint Speech Balloons

Supplies

cardboard (I've been hoarding the cardboard I used since I bought my cutting mat in March! - can anyone tell me why?)
scissors
sandpaper (optional)
chalkboard paint

Instructions

Trace your shape onto the cardboard and cut it out (I free handed it).



Because the paint on the cardboard was shiny, I sanded it slightly so the chalkboard paint would adhere better. Paint your speech balloon following the instructions on your chalkboard paint.

For the first day of class, we wanted to do something easy so we discussed mottoes and the concept of having a word for the year and then we brainstormed a list of words to describe school and their expectations. I wrote the list up on a sheet of paper. Then the kids got to pick their own word and write their name and word on the speech balloon.


It was fun and I think it would be fun to do it again at the end of the year to see how the kids of all changed.

22 comments:

  1. i love this, i just saw this, too, but don't know where. i really like your homeschooling set up, i think it gives kids a chance to interact with their own age group. how fun for you to teach art for them!

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  2. What a fun project. I would love to know what you think of teaching in a co-op by the end of the year...fascinating!

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  3. What an adorable idea, that is a great way to start off the school year! I am excited that you're doing "assisted learning" as opposed to traditional school, what a unique and special opportunity for your girls.

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  4. I sent my child to private Christian schools for the first eight years and then had to stop due to financial reasons so I understand. It is wonderful you have this option. hugs♥olive

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  5. I love the chalkboard! What a cute idea.

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  6. Your girls look so funny and adorable in the rain.. (my Oli loves parrots too)

    Your home-schooling setup sounds really good - you are very lucky to spend time with your daughters every day, and yet have support and not be all-on-your-own.. sounds like the best of both worlds.

    Love the speech bubbles, and the getting the kids to make a list of words idea.

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  7. I really love how your homeschooling has structure and mingling but is still homeschooling. I am wrestling with what to do with Wednesday in two years. Next year she will be old enough for JR. Kindergaten (Age 4) but I don;t believe children should be in that kind of structured environment for six hours a day at four years old....but JK is voluntary here so that gives me an extra year to decide/buy texts/work a schedule etc.

    Also, love your project! I remember seeing one like that in my Photojojo newsletter, you being a photographer might receive the same newsletter?

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  8. I love the balloons. The heavy duty co-op sounds like quite an undertaking. Have a great school year. Lisa~

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  9. I've seen this project also! I can't remember where, but I know I've seen it. Your pics came out really good! What a great way to preserve the memories!

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  10. I love those! I just wanted to stop by and thank you for always being so kind and commenting on my blog. I really appreciate it and notice :) I know my daughter would love those bubbles

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  11. I want to be in your art class.

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  12. Great start to the year. It's neat to make it memorable. (We're just going to the pool this year. :( A treat, but not very creative.)

    I would also like to know how the year goes. So much potential...

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  13. What a fun idea! Your art project looks great

    I was homeschooled up until high school, and I'm so glad. It definitely helped me in many ways.

    I hope it isn't too difficult of a transition, but I think it's so worth it.

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  14. The project does look like fun! Neat idea!

    Your format for homeschooling sounds as though it could be the ideal blend. Keep me posted on how it's going!

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  15. Super cool, and great photos. These girls are ready to learn and ready to absorb life. Yay to the first week of school!

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  16. I so have to make these - they will be great for parties !!!!

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  17. I'm all caught up again! Girl - you're a crafting blogging m.a.n.i.a.c! lol I just can't get over how much you get accomplished.

    I know leaving the school you all loved must have been a tough decision, but I'm so excited about your new adventure. I pray it brings your family much joy.

    Oh - and it was great seeing photos of your nephew. He looks adorable and so wonderfully healthy!! And - as always - your girls are simply beautiful.

    Hugs to you!

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  18. I prayed long and hard about home schooling but realized I could not do it alone. I am so glad you have this wonderful program. It seems like it is the best of both worlds. I love the Chalkboard Speech Balloon. So cute. I do wonder what they will say at the end of the year.

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  19. I love your first project - very cute! I admire you home schooling. I know it is hard work. I have 3 kids, all grown. My son was 10 years younger than his sisters. I have always said that if I had it to do over again, I would home school him. Too bad we don't have a crystal ball...

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  20. Oh, homeschooling, I would love LOVE to do homeschooling with my sweetpeas. Your sweetpeas are adorable, Melissa.
    Happy hugs for a great weekend! xoxoxo

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  21. Lovely pictures. I hope they enjoy their new school. x

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  22. what a different craft. neat-o! i've never seen this one before! it certainly looks like your kids are having fun!

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