to this week's
Teaching At Home
Newsletter

 October 22, 2007

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Teaching At Home


Hi Gang!

Just look at that precious baby's picture.  Who is she?  I have no idea, but she is one of the children that participated in Tuesday's "Painting For a Purpose" in Homewood Park.  She just had the best time and was so beautiful.  We had 40 canvasses painted by children, and that does not include some of the younger siblings and parents that were there.  I do not know how many homeschoolers were there.  It was really a lot of fun.  The kids did a great job and some of them signed up to donate their time and energy to help with the Daniel Cason Ministries.  Click here to see a Picture Show of Painting For a Purpose.   My understanding is that several folks were turned away from painting, so we may try to plan this again in the future.  Thanks to all who came out and painted and had a great time!!!

My kids and I had dates this weekend.  Dae and I went to the Fiesta with the American Girl Club on Saturday.  It met with mixed reviews.  It was not as good as it was a few years ago when we went, but there was still a good "street festival" atmosphere, good food, nice music, and educational booths there.  I ate a pepper that just set me on fire.  It took me a good couple of hours to get over it.  Dae and I both tasted beef tongue.  Neither of us liked it at all.  It was like a fatty roast...bluch!  I was expecting there to be Fiesta crafts there such as were there in the past; however, the Birmingham Museum of Art was sponsoring the crafts so they were all about Pompeii.  I was disappointed to not have the Hispanic crafts since that was what we were there for; however, I was glad to have the Pompeii crafts since we are going to that exhibit on Tuesday, and I have really not done anything to prepare for it.  The girls got to make a laurel head wreath, do an archaeological dig for jewels and coins, and make volcanoes erupt.  After we went to the Fiesta, Dae and I visited the museum and went to the Native American section, African Egyptian section, and the Wedgewood section.  We were both really tired at the end of the day.  Dalton and I had our date today and went to the Bavarian Philharmonic at Alys Stephens Center.  It was really good but almost made both of us go to sleep.  We were both struggling to keep our eyes open.  The pianist was awesome.  Later we went to eat at Purple Onion and then came home.  It is really nice sometimes to get to spend "alone time" with the kids and just to concentrate on that relationship.  Dalton is changing so quickly into a young man that I feel that my time with him as a child is growing short.  I know he will always be my baby, but that relationship changes as they get older, and as scary as it is for him I am sure, it is scary for me too.  

 
Please remember that all the new information or changed information is in BLUE!!!


I hope you enjoy your week Teaching At Home, and I hope to see you all soon!

Deb Spradlin

 
Homeschool Directory

Please contact me directly at everestacademy1@gmail.com if you would like to be included.  Please include your information in this order:  county, your name, area, contact information, children's year of birth, and any other information you would like added.  Please consider adding your information here!  This could be SUCH a great resource for you!


New Resources...
  • The Limited Too is offering a $5 gift certificate good off any purchase, to children who bring in their report card w/ passing grades.  If the item is $4.99, you can get it free w/ certificate, no purchase necessary.  Thanks Stephanie!

  • Jasper Library Program -  Nan Bishop has talked with a friend of hers at the Jasper library and the friend has agreed to give us a morning "library program."  She prefers a morning due to public school students coming in the afternnoon - mothers are required to attend with their children.  It will last about 2 hours ALSO she would like to do a program for older children on how to use research tools at the library but that would be a separate program. Anyone interested in one or the other or both or neither please email me so I can set this up - also what morning do you prefer?  I am thinking a Thursday morning  followed by a picnic at Gamble Park since we would be out and together.  Please contact Pam Porter for more information at pwp123@peoplepc.com

  • Kids' Wetlands Walk Drawing Contest ~ Deadline: November 1 Jane Kirkland, author of the award-winning Take a Walk book series, invites kids ages 7 through 12 to submit drawings of wetland features and creatures for the chance to win great prizes...including having a drawing featured in her upcoming book, Take a Wetlands Walk! Click here for full details and an entry form.

  • Mangobeta is an online enterprise-level language learning system freely available to everyone. Learn at your own pace with a suite of features that make language learning more engaging and fun.  http://www.mangolanguages.com/  Many thanks to Lisa McAnnally for this awesome and free resource!!!

Dates to Remember...
  • Oct 23 - Pompeii Field Trip at Birmingham Museum of Art at 12:00.
  • Oct 25 - Life Cycles Field Trip at Aldridge Gardens 10:00 a.m.- There is still space for this so please contact me at everestacademy1@gmail.com if you would like to participate.  Information below. 
  • Oct 25 - Teen and Parent Books Clubs at Aldridge Gardens from 12:00 - 2:00 p.m.  This is a bring your own picnic, discussion, hanging out, seeing all the scarecrows meeting.  Here is a link to the web site of Aldridge Botanical Gardens and it has directions on it!  http://www.aldridgegardens.com/visit.htm The teen book selection this month is Jennifer Government by Max Barry and The Red Tent by Anita Diamant.  For more information on both the teen and parent book club, please look here: http://alabamahomeschooling.net/forum/
  • Oct 26 - Teen Scene going to the movies.  For more information, contact me. 
  • Oct 26 - Adamsville Park Day I hope to see you all at Adamsville Park on Spring Street from noon until whenever!!!  Please do come!  Bring kids of all ages - our teens love to get together as well!  New for Park Day....Kids Yoga!!!  Ms. Vesta Bidwell will be teaching a short yoga class for kids beginning Oct. 26.  Participation is OPTIONAL...  Thanks Ms. Vesta!!!
    •
  • Directions:
  • I-59 to Hwy 78/Arkadelphia Rd exit (#123) north.
  • Go approximately 9 miles to the Adamsville McDonald's and turn left
  • Go approximately 2 blocks to stop sign and stay straigt
  • Go approximately 2 blocks and come to area where you can go left or right - go right (left will take you over railroad tracks and is the wrong way)
  • Go approximately 2 blocks to stop sign - Go straight or left - either way will bring you into the park
  • Of Note:  If it is a bad weather day, we meet at Adamsville McDonald's!!!





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Free Stuff....



  • Oct 24 - Men of Men: Stories of Courage at Birmingham Public Library 12:00 - 1:00.  John O'Malley will share the stories of the Medal of Honor recipients with ties to Alabama and based in part, on the book Men of Men: Stories of Courage. The program covers a unique selection of the 29 Medal of Honor recipients with ties to Alabama, the search for a photo of historical importance, many stories and facts of interest.
  • Oct 24 - Samurai Animanga Club at Homewood Library in the Teens Department from 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.  For Grades 6 - 12.  Anime episodes, snacks, and discussion of this month's theme. 
  • Oct 25 - Alabama Theater presents a free showing of "Bella" at 7:00 p.m.  This is an award-winning film that promotes a family-orientated message. This movie provides a wonderful message, while also appealing to the mainstream culture. http://www.bellathemovie.com/site/#/home/  Thanks Dena and Deb!
  • Oct 25 - Anne Frank Goes East:  Holocaust Borrowings in the Post-Civil War Alerian Novel lecture at UAB Mary Culp Hulsey Recital Hall, 950 13th Street South, Birmingham at 3:00.   ALUAB Assistant Professor Lamia Zayzafoon, Ph.D., will present a free, public lecture, "Anne Frank Goes East: Holocaust Borrowings in the Post-Civil War Algerian Novel." The event is sponsored by the Arabic Lecture Series and organized by the UAB Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures.
  • Oct 25 - Spiders Presentation at Birmingham Botanical Gardens from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.  Join Fresh Air Family and Dr. Mike Howell of Stamford University as he shares with us his discovery of a new species of spider found at Ruffner Mountain State Park. Please RSVP at www.freshairfamily.org 
  • Oct 26 & 27 - Family Weekend DeSoto State Park (October 26-27) JSU Field Schools and DeSoto State Park will offer fun activities Friday night, Saturday, and Saturday night for families who want to learn about nature together.  Join JSU Field Schools naturalist and storyteller Renee Morrison for fun Campfire Talks on Friday night (Ghosts in the Valey) and Saturday night (My LIfe as a Hound Dog).   Register for the family hike on Saturday. For lodging information, visit www.desotostatepark.com .  A Stroll Through the Forest Join JSU Field Schools for an easy hike on the trails of DeSoto State Park. Family friendly!  Saturday, October 27, 2007 from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
  • Oct 27 - Cathedral Caverns Grant Fall Festival 256-728-8193. www.tourjackson@scottsboro.org. Free admission. Cathedral Caverns State Park--Enjoy spooky cave tours, games, haunted hay rides, food and drinks. 5 p.m. until.
  • Oct 27 - Hike in Northwest Georgia along the highly scenic rim trail around this lovely canyon in Northwest Georgia and then down into the bottom of the canyon itself. The rushing stream in the bottom of the canyon has two good-sized waterfalls which we'll view close up. Lunch will be on a large, flat rock outcropping from where one has beautiful, panoramic views across the canyon. Fall color should be at its peak. Parents, be aware that there are very high, steep cliffs with no guard rails adjacent to the rim trail. Optional dinner afterwards. Well-behaved, carefully supervised children age ten and up welcome. Meet 8:30 a.m. at Applebee's Trussville.
    Info: Ron Burkett, 967-6639
  • Oct 27 & 28 - Alabama Renaissance Faire 256-768-3031. www.alarenfaire.org. Free admission. Wilson Park, downtown--Thousands of people in period attire help to recreate the atmosphere of a Medieval/ Renaissance trade fair featuring entertainment, food and crafts of the era. Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., noon-6 p.m.
  • Oct 27 - Orbix Hot Glass Fall Open Studio at Orbix Hot Glass 3869 County Road 275 Ft. Payne, AL 35967 from 9:00 - 6:00.  This all-day event features glassblowing demonstrations hourly, as well as a chance for folks of all ages to blow their own ornament with the assistance of other glassblowers. The work of Cal Breed and Orbix Hot Glass is also on exhibit and for sale in the adjacent gallery.
  • Oct 27 - Covered Bridge Walk in Blount County from 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.  The Friends of the Locust Fork River (FLFR) will lead their annual river walk as part of Blount County’s Covered Bridge Festival. The hike goes from Swann Covered Bridge to Powell Falls and back. The fall foliage is usually glorious and you can look forward to some informed commentary from FLFR’s trip leaders. The hike is of moderate difficulty and takes about 3 hours round trip. Be prepared for the weather and bring a snack as well as fluids. Meet at Pardue’s Restaurant in Cleveland at 9 am (come early for breakfast) or at Swann Bridge at 9:30. For more information call Stephen at 205-919-6231.
  • Oct 27 - Harvest Celebration at the Aldridge Gardens in Hoover from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.  Enjoy pumpkin painting, costume parade and contest, folk artist demonstrations, entertainment and food vendors.  Halloween costume contest and parade followed by entertainer Jim Aycock, John Scalisi (drum circle), storytelling, and cloggers. Kids can paint pumpkins while adults can shop for a quilt, honey, soap, candles, birdhouses, and plants. Raffle tickets will be sold for a quilt and a bicycle donated by Regions Bank. A perfect way to spend a fall morning! Come to Aldridge Gardens.
  • Oct. 31 - Southern Ghosts at Homewood Library from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.  Join Alabama author Karen Zwiefel for spooky Southern ghost stories for 6th grade and up.
  • Oct 31 - Enclosing Sacred Places at Birmingham Public Library from 12:00 - 1:00.  Stories and traditions have long revolved around the places of the dead. Dr. Alan Brown will guide us on a journey into Alabama's countryside and into the origins of surrounding cemeteries with fences. Along the way, Dr. Brown will share some ghost stories from Alabama focusing on the consequences of entering a cemetery at night.
  • Nov 3 - Taste of Asia Fall Festival Not only will there be many varieties of cuisine from various Asian countries available to purchase, but there will also be a silent auction of Asian art and other fine items, Asian performers presenting traditional dances from various cultures, and tours to the proposed Chinese garden site (which is nearby) after a presentation and viewing of a model to be built to the Suzhou design. (A design team from the Suzhou Institute of Landscape Architectural Design in Suzhou, China, will be in Birmingham September 24-29 to design a classical Chinese Garden on a proposed 2.92 acre site at George Ward Park.)  The Chinese cultural highlight of the event will be an exhibition of reproductions of what have been designated "National Treasurers" by the Chinese government, 10-15 of the earliest known color photographs taken in China (in 1945) by an American Army doctor in Kunming, China. His son, Dr. Gregg Millett, will be present and will make two presentations on his father's work and the exhibitions of the originals in Kunming and Beijing (where the originals are now permanently on display). Included in the display will be several "then and now" pictures of people and places as they were in 1944-5 and again in 2004, and Mr. Millett's account of how this addition came about. (For a preview see www.greggmillett.com )  : Cedars Club 301 Green Springs Avenue South (two blocks east of I-65 at Green Springs Avenue exit) in Birmingham, AL from 10:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 
  • Nov 4 -  Jewish Food Festival from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.  The Levite Jewish Community Center presents the 5th Annual Jewish Food Festival. Enjoy great food, music, crafts, and family entertainment!  You don't want to miss our 5th Annual Jewish Food Festival! If you haven't tried Jewish food before, then you're in for a treat! Our recipes have been passed down through generations and are the pride and joy of our volunteer chefs.  What could be better than an afternoon spent with friends enjoying wonderful home-cooked food and shopping early for a few holiday gifts? So, work up your appetite and grab a bunch of friends & family to join us! http://www.bhamjcc.org
  • Nov 4 - Of Fire and the Forge: Vulcan, Vesuvius, and Tales from an Eruption at Vulcan Park at 2:00 p.m.  Lecture with Timothy B. Smith, Assistant Prof. of Art History, Birmingham-Southern College.  Join Dr. Smith as he explores the intriguing mythology and imagery of the Roman god Vulcan, including his ancient connections to volcanoes and the area of Mount Vesuvius and Pompeii.
  • Nov 3 & 4 - St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church in Brookside was founded in 1894 by immigrants from Slovakia, Western Ukrain and Southern Poland. Traditional foods from recipies handed down for generations will be available in our bake shop and plate lunches served. Imported Russian souvenirs are available in the Beriozka Store. Ukrainian dancing Saturday at 1:00 p.m. Tour St. Nicholas church and view hand-written icons and much more.   St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church 105 Park Avenue Brookside, AL 35036 10:00 - 5:00 
  • Nov 3 & 4 - Moss Rock Festival: Celebrating Nature, Open Spaces & Eco-Ideas through ART & DESIGN   10:00 a.m - 5:00 p.m.  http://www.MossRockFestival.com This unique AL festival featuring 5000 juried works of art with a nature focus; an outdoor design & installation competition; eco-friendly ideas, products & organizations; live music; kids' studios; geo-location game; guided hikes; eats & drinks; & more
  • Nov 5 - Dr. Ranaan Gissin, Senior Advisor to Former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon at Levite Jewish Community Center 3960 Montclair Road Birmingham, AL 35223 from 11:30 - 1:00.  The Birmingham Jewish Federation is honored to have Dr. Raanan Gissin in our community, hosted by State of Israel Bonds. Dr. Raanan Gissin has become one of Israel's leading spokesman for the foreign press and the international community and will be speaking on global terrorism and the Iranian and radical Islamic threats. Today, Dr. Gissin is one of the leaders of the Startcom project with an objective to develop an effective communication strategy for Israel as well as other embattled democracies facing the challenges of public diplomacy in the "global village".
  • Nov 6 - Tech Tuesdays: Social Bookmarking at Birmingham Public Library at noon.  How often do you find a great website that you would like to share with friends, neighbors and family? Social bookmarking sites make it easier for you to share your sites and see what other people have found interesting. Come and learn and about these sites and how you can share your favorites. This program will be simulcast at the Springville Road and Five Points West Library.
  • Nov 6 - Family Hiking and Camping at Whole Foods 280 from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.  Come learn from a Mountain High Guide & the Fresh Air Family about the basics of Camping & Hiking with kids. Birmingham and surrounding mountains offer so many opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts or just those interested in being fit and getting outside. Come learn about car camping, great local hikes, the pros and cons of hiking, gear, and more. All those that attend will receive a 15% off coupon at Mountain High to help you get out on the trail! http://www.wholefoods.com/stores/calendars/MBK.html
  • Nov 9 - Lights Up at the Summit The Summit officially begins the holiday season at 6:30pm. when Santa flips the switch and illuminates thousands of lights throughout The Summit. Enjoy music, refreshments and merriment, all capped with a Fireworks Finale. * Rain date is Saturday, November 10 at 6:30 pm. Free admission. 205-967-0111. www.thesummitonline.com.
  • Nov 10 - Taqaseem: A Franco-Arabic Song and Poetry Recital featuring an evening of Arabic songs and poetry. The event is sponsored by The Society of Ibn Khaldun, the French Club at UAB and volunteers from the Birmingham community.  UAB Mary Culp Hulsey Recital Hall, 950 13th Street South, Birmingham, AL from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. 
  • Nov 19 & 11 - Smith Lake Fine Arts Festival There will be an opening Dinner Friday 11.09.2007 at 8PM in the Lakeshore Restaurant to kick off the first Annual Festival. Events and Entertainment will be Sat/Sun with a full Sunday Brunch Buffet available at the Inn from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. A special Children's exhibit of the ACSl Logo Contest and special 'on the lawn' short exhibits of local artist sat/sun flux hours. Interactive Pottery booth area where your child can learn how to make their own Fine Art Pottery! Fired saturday night to take home the next day or same day greenware. Hoping to have a visit from the regional Historical Indian Fine Arts (will be an anticipated surprise for all of us!) with tales of the regional treasure hunts! A truely new and unique Fine Arts Festival!Come and Enjoy!  http://www.freewebs.com/smithlakearts



Not Free but Worth Every Penny...


  • Through Jan. 6, 2008 - It's BIG...Really BIG...and it's coming to Anniston Museum!  A  T. REX named Sue, appearing exclusively at Anniston Museum of Natural History.  Never before in Alabama.  This tour was created by The Field Museum of Chicago and made possible through the generosity of McDonald's Corp.  For tour info or reservations, call Jennifer Smith @ 256-237-6766, or e-mail tourcoordinator@annistonmuseum.org
    •
  • Oct 31 - Bodyology at the Alabama Theater at 10:00 a.m. presented by Slim Goodbody, the costumed “health crusader” who appeared for years on Captain Kangaroo and PBS.  Bodyology is a show for children in grades K-4.  Bodyology uses music, movement, fanciful props, and a large rear screen projection unit to lead youngsters on an incredible journey within.  It provides an opportunity for audiences to understand how their bodies work, and inspires them to be the best they can be.  Tickets are $6.50 and you can book online at their website: www.slimgoodbody.com.
  • Nov 2 - Day of the Dead Festival from 3:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.  A one-day festival honoring the Mexican holiday known as el Dia de los Muertos or the Day of the Dead. The annual commemoration at Bare Hands Gallery combines community art installation and procession with remembrance, creativity, performance, music and food to highlight this rich cultural tradition yielding an exquisite downtown art and cultural event.  BARE HANDS GALLERY 109 R Arrington Jr Blvd South Birmingham, AL 35233   http://www.barehandsgallery.org $10 donation appreciated, not required
    ACTIVITIES:
    3 - 6 pm Children's Craft Area (paper flower making, mask painting and sugar skull decorating)
    5 pm - 12 am Music, Dance and Poetry on the performance stage
    8 pm Day of the Dead Procession (around the block the gallery is located on)
    5 pm - 12 am Altar Installation (individuals bring altars and memorabilia of their departed to install in the outdoor altar space)
  • Nov 2 thru 4 - Homestead Hollow Christmas in the Country in Springville from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.  Original works of fine art. One of a kind handmade and hand decorated crafts. Recreated pioneer village with demonstrations of candle making, blacksmithing, soap making, open hearth cooking, and more. Home of the only licensed, operating, moonshine still in the state of Alabama. Children's activities including, petting zoo, pony rides, wagon rides and more. Live entertainment. Delicious food. Visit our General Store for some jams and jellies. Santa will be here to visit with the children.  http://www.homesteadhollow.com
  • Nov 7 thru 10 - Fort Toulouse Pioneer Days in Wetumpka from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.  Re-enactment of Alabama's frontier days from French Colonial times to the early American period. Includes Native American reenactors, period traders, merchants and entertainers.  This is the best historical reenactment I have been to!!!
  • Nov 17 - Midnight's Canvas at Robert R. Meyer Planetarium at Birmingham Southern at 2:00.  Cost $2 for adults; $1 for children
  • Nov 23 thru 25 - Salvation Army Coat Drive at McWane Center.  Bring a new or gently used coat to McWane and receive a free pass to Santa vs. The Snowman IMAX movie
  • Jan 14 & 15 - Disney Homeschool Days Are your homeschoolers ready to push their education to the next level, or simply needing a new out-of-the-box challenge? Disney Homeschool Days offer exciting programs that are sure to enhance and add a new level to your homeschool curriculum.

Links...

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Educational Links
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Not A Member or Time to Renew?...
Well!  We can help you with that! What is Teaching At Home?  Teaching At Home is a resource group located in the Central Alabama area for those who desire to home educate their children.  You will receive a weekly newsletter FULL of quality resources and activities.  We would be happy to send you four free newsletters to see if this group will benefit you.  All subscriptions expire August 31 regardless to when joined.  There is no proration of fees. 

Fee  Schedule 
$25.00 - Through August 31, 2008.
$20.00 - Through August 31, 2008
FREE - Everest Academy Families

Stuff to Remember!!...
If you need to make payments for anything:

Mailing address:
Debbi Spradlin
1521 3rd St SE
Graysville, AL 35073

or

Paypal
everestacademy1@gmail.com
(no debit/credit cards)

I hope to see everybody soon!
Deb Spradlin
(205) 674-6030