Teaching At Home

Hi Gang!

Where do I start?  We had just a fantastic week this week.  It started off on a sour note though.  I absolutely could not sleep the first few days after Dalton left, and I can truly say that I know what it feels like to operate on "auto pilot".  I since have gotten over that and am doing well.  Thanks so much to all of you that gave me support "in my time of need".  I promised you that I would give you updates on how things are going.  Heather is planning on starting a blog, but for now, the accounts of their adventures can be found here:  Homeschooling on the Road

Dae and I made a wonderful and terrible discovery this week.  We finally convinced Dae that it was not fair to keep all three of the turtles and told her that she could keep one of them.  She elected to keep Diane, the teeny tiny musk turtle, and let the other two go.  My husband took Dae fishing and to let the two turtles go.  A few days later, while cleaning out the large tank they had been in, we discovered three turtle eggs...  Is that cool or what?  For those of you wondering, they were a light pink color, about 1 inch in diameter, and soft shelled.  It was a wonderful discover; however, after researching on the internet, we discovered that since it had been more than a few hours since being laid, that the eggs would have ran out of oxygen and since perished.  We feel very sad that we made this horrible mistake but are hopeful that since we found only three eggs that the turtle was able to lay the rest of her eggs at the creek.  We, of course, had to dissect and examine the egg...'cause that's what we do.  It had no odor but was otherwise just like a chicken egg with a very large yolk.  Does anyone know if a chicken egg is soft when first laid?  I ask because snake eggs, lizard eggs, and turtle eggs are soft...so is that just a reptile thing or also a bird thing?  Just wondering as I have never touched a first laid chicken or bird egg.  

Dae and I just got back from going camping and to the Dismals Canyon with Fresh Air Family.  I have mentioned this group many times, but this was our first outing with them.  It was really a great trip.  We went to the Dismals, which has to be the most beautiful place I have ever been to.  It was featured in the movie "Walking with the Dinosaurs" and is very unique in regards to its flora and fauna.  We also tent camped and went swimming in Bear Creek.  Fresh Air Family furnished everything from transportation, tent, campsite, food, and admission to the Dismals.  Everything was free.  Please check out this organization.  They are really family oriented and just a great group of people. 

Please remember that all the new information or changed information is in BLUE!!!  Also, please note that it is time to renew your Teaching At Home subscription.  The fee schedule is at the bottom of this newsletter. 

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 debbido4@charter.net 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.  

New Resources….

• Through Aug 7 - Birmingham Children's Choir Girls in grades 4-8 are invited to audition for the Bham Children's Choir at Edgewood Presbyterian Church 850 Oxmoor Road Homewood, AL 35209 at 4:00.  Each singer will be required to vocalize, sing a simple song of her choice, sight-read simple patterns, and echo-sing short melodies. Audition times will be scheduled upon request. Please call the following number and leave a message. Your call will be returned to schedule an audition date and time.
• Gymboree Free Class - Now you can try any Gymboree class for free.  To get your free class pass, go to GymboreeClasses.com or call 1-866-349-GROW. 
  
• Aug 4 - Birmingham Parent's Back to School Blast at Watermark in Bessemer! Enjoy back to school information on health, safety and education as well as great giveaways, activities and TAX FREE shopping for back to school! Visit www.birminghamparent.com for more information.
• Aug. 18 - American Girl Boutique & Bistro opening in Atlanta!!!!  Come to the North Point Mall in Alpharetta to discover the latest American Girl store. Girls can celebrate every day with the most popular characters, outfits, and accessories. The Bistro features casual dining, a delicious dessert counter, and extra-special celebrations, too. For more details, look here:  American Girl in Atlanta   Upcoming Events Include: 
  

  American Girl Activity Day

  August 17, 18, 19 Free and open to the public. For girls ages 8 and up. View event details

  Meet the New Historical Character

  September 10, 15, 28 Free and open to the public. For girls ages 8 and up. View event details

  Magazine Spirit Pencil Pom-Pom Craft

  September 30; October 14 Free and open to the public. For girls ages 8 and up. View event details

  Addy’s Paper Quilt Craft

  October 19 Free and open to the public. For girls ages 8 and up. View event details

  Kit’s Paper Lantern Craft

  October 28 Free and open to the public. For girls ages 8 and up. View event details

• Children's Theater - Hi Gang!  It's time again to sign up for Children's Theatre.  They have a great season this year!!!  Check here for full information: http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/teachingathome/355709/
• Alys Stephens Center Free Performances - This series allows the Alys Stephens Center to share the arts with area students and aspiring young artists. These one-hour performances by internationally acclaimed artists let students experience the thrill of a live performance in a world-class performing arts venue.  During these interactive presentations, artists will engage students with anecdotes about their educational and artistic training and life as a professional, touring artist. They will also offer insight into the music they will perform, as well as strategies for perfecting musical techniques. Resource materials are available for some performances.  Please look here for full details:  http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/teachingathome/356110/

• Ballroom Dancing in Adamsville - I have been talking with Wendy of  http://www.curtnwendy.com/ and they have agreed to teach a homeschool ballroom dance class if we have enough interest.  I am just now in the "feeling it out" stage so the details are rather sketchy.  The details are as follows: Ballroom Dance Class in Adamsville (about 15 minutes NW of Bham)  Weekly class to be held during the day starting either this summer OR in September for grades 7-12 (Six months of classes count as 1/2 credit in either Phys. Ed. Or Fine Arts) Either $20/month per child (with half-price for additional siblings in the family) paid at the first class each month, OR $5/class paid weekly for each of the first two kids in a family with any additional siblings at no charge. Let me know if this is something you think you might be interested in, and we will get things underway.
• Aug 11 - Tigers For Tomorrow at Untamed Mountain in Collinsville at 8:00am.  A walk through Untamed Mountain, known as Tigers for Tomorrow.  Bring the entire family for a new experience, where life is wild by nature. During your visit you will get up close and personal with over thirty-five large cats, wolves and bears in a safe and natural setting. Bring lunch and plenty of film!  Register for this free event at director@freshairfamily.org
• Aug. 18 - Mom's Night Out!!!  Would you like to join me at the Alabama Theatre for a 7:00pm viewing of "Gone With the Wind"?  If you have not ever been to the Alabama Theatre, it is breathtaking!!!  You can take a virtual tour of The Alabama as well as read it's history here:  http://www.alabamatheatre.com/AboutTheAlabama/TourtheAlabama/tabid/62/Default.aspx .  This would be the perfect place to view "Gone With the Wind"!!!  Tickets are $6 a piece and payable at the door.  We can go to dinner before or after if you would like to!  Please R.S.V.P. To debbido4@charter.net . 
• Aug. 31 - Spring Valley Beach Homeschool Day in Blountsville from 10:00am - 6:00pm.  Cost is $10.00 per person (ages 2 and under are free) to get in.  You will pay at the door.  You can bring your own food and drinks.  I am going to rent a pavilion if enough show an interest.  We went last year and had a blast!  This is a very family friendly place.  www.springvalleybeach.com  Please R.S.V.P. And let me know if you would like to attend with Teaching At Home, and I will arrange for us to have a pavilion. 
• Dec. 13 - Alabama Ballet Presents The Nutcracker at the Samford Wright Center at 10:00am.  While visions of sugarplums have not yet danced in your heads, the Alabama Ballet is already working towards our holiday season production of George Balanchine's The Nutcracker.  Alabama Ballet is currently one of six companies in the world licensed to perform Balanchine's performance.  Cost is $7 per adult.  Children free.  I know it is early for this; however, the quicker we send in our reservations, the better seating we will get. 
• Nov. 26 - 30 - Disney World Trip Teaching At Home will be going to Disney World in Orlando again this year.  We went last year and had a blast.  You can check out the information from last year here:  Disney Trip 2006 .  The trip will include a 5-day hopper pass to all four parks plus two visits to either Typhoon Lagoon or Disney Quest.  We visited Typhoon Lagoon and Disney Quest last year and had an absolute blast.  These tickets will also include one Y.E.S. Program for the students.  These are absolutely wonderful programs, and my kids are still talking about the one they attended last year.  The rest of the time is your's to spend as a family.  Disney Information
• March 31 - April 4, 2008 - Dauphin Island Sea Lab 5-Day Camp This is going to be awesome.  We have been on the waiting list for two years for this trip.  We have a maximum of 35 who can attend, so sign up quick!!!  For full information, please look here:  Dauphin Island Sea Lab 5 Spots just opened up!!!

 

• Through July 29 -  Between Fences in West Blocton Traveling exhibit depicting how our country developed between fences-split rail, barbed wire, picket. Also features economic, cultural, religious, other fences. Tours with experts on related subjects. 9 a.m.-noon & 2-5 p.m. most days; and by appointment.
• July 16 - 20 - Attend a FREE Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Camp. From 8:00a.m. - 3:30p.m. At Jefferson State Community College on Carson Road.  Interested in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math? This One-Week Camp Is For You!  Explore exciting careers in robotics, manufacturing, automotive technology, veterinary technology, healthcare, computer science, and many more. Hear from industry leaders about what they look for in potential employees and the types of jobs they have available. Tour one of Alabama’s automotive assembly plants.  The camp is for students entering the 10th, 11th, or 12th grade in Fall 2007 with an interest in pursuing a career in science, technology, engineering, or math.   Http://www.jeffstateonline.com/news_stories/07/stemCamp/Default.htm
• July 17 & 25 - Family Read at Springville Road Library from 6:30 - 7:30pm.  This 8-week seminar is for adults who have or work with children.  Discuss various picture books and how they may be used with children of various ages.  Participants' children will be in a simultaneous program in the Children's Department.  Registration for adults is required and due by May 31 at 226-4081.
• July 17 & 25 - A Series of Fabulous Events for Families at Springville Road Library at 6:30pm.  An evening of books, crafts, and games

• July 19 - Capitol City Shape Note Singing at Old Alabama Town in Montgomery from 9:30am - 3:00pm.  Alabama has a particularly rich tradition of shape-note singing, a unique form of a cappella harmony characterized by the singing of the notes as well as the lyrics. The singers follow a format largely unchanged in over 150 years, seating themselves in a square according to voice part and taking turns coming to the center of the square to lead songs. Though the songbooks date from the first half of the nineteenth century, many of the hymns and tunes are hundreds of years older.
• July 19 - ArchiTreats at Alabama Department of Archives 1:00 Bring a sack lunch and participate in the lecture series. Topic this month, "Fishing For Gold: The Story of Alabama's Catfish Industry" presented by Karni R. Perez.
• July 19 - Science Workshop at Leeds Library from 2:00 - 4:00.  Winfield and Elinor Burks present a science workshop for Grades 3 and up highlighting ideas with hands on experiments using everyday household items.
• July 20 & Aug 17 - Heritage Alive at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute located at 520 Sixteenth Street North in Bham from 6:00 - 8:00pm.  Heritage Alive is a Community of Readers, a new family reading initiative.  The free monthly evening program will feature reading, movies, food, and fun. This is a free event, but registration is encouraged. For registration or additional information on the program contact Sylvea Hollis at 328-9696 ext. 246 or shollis@bcri.org.
  
• July 20 - Fishes of Little River You might be amazed at what's swimming down in the Canyon! JSU biologist Dr. Mark Meade will have you hooked on the diversity and lifestyles of the fishes of the Little River.  Event will be at DeSoto State Park Campground (Nature Center in case of rain) from 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM.

• Operation New Birmingham Brings You a Concert Series in Downtown Birmingham The Third Thursday of every month, July & Oct.   First event is July 19th. Located on 19th St in front of McWane Science Center Plaza between 2nd and 3rd Ave. Concert from 5:30pm 8:30pm.  Admission is FREE. Proceeds benefit the Lyric Theatre Performance by: Josephine Sweet, Frankie Velvet & the Mighty Veltones, Harold & Jim, The Charlie Soul Band. Please visit http://www.yourcitycenter.com/ for more information or questions.
  

• July 21 - Chess Tournament at Emmet O'Neal Library from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.  Swiss style chess tournament for ages 7 through adult.  Preregister at 445-1101. 
• July 21 - The 5 Points Worship service of Highlands United Methodist Church will offer three concerts throughout the summer featuring the 5 Points Worship Band. The music played will range from blue-grass to rock, jazz to gospel. All concerts will be held on the front lawn of the church, right behind the famous fountain of 5 Points South. Bring your lawn chairs and your blankets to this family-friendly event taking place in the heart of 5 Points South, and enjoy an evening full of great music, fellowship, and fun. Complimentary bottled water will be served at each concert. This event is free and open to the public. Call or go online for more information. 933.8751, ext. 229. www.5pointsworship.org  Concert will be from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
  
• July 21 - Chinnabee Silent Trail in Talledega National Forest 9:00 with Fresh Air Family.  Day Hike and Swim with the Sierra Club. Hike one of our most popular and scenic trails near Cheaha Mountain. The trail winds through part of the Talladega National Forest and along Cheaha Creek. Enjoy a cooling dip at Devil’s Den, a swimming hole and falls at the end of the 3-mile hike. Bring lunch, water, some shoes and clothes for swimming if you wish to do so. Optional dinner after the hike. Meet Kmart Parking Lot (corner of Crestwood Blvd and Montclair Road off I-20 at Oporto Madrid/Montevallo Road) at 9 a.m.  Register for this free event at director@freshairfamily.org 

• July 21 & 22 - .EWTN Family Celebration Because of the overwhelming response we received to last year's twenty-fifth anniversary event, we've decided to invite our EWTN Family back this summer for another EWTN Family Celebration. This free event will be held at the Birmingham Jefferson Civic Center in Birmingham, Alabama on Saturday July 21st and Sunday July 22nd, 2007. This year's Celebration will focus on the theme of Eucharist: Body of Christ. 
  
• July 24 - Family Hiking & Camping Workshop at Whole Foods Market 3100 Cahaba Village Plaza
  off of Highway 280 Birmingham, Alabama from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.  Come learn from Mountain High Outfitters and Fresh Air Family about the basics of Family Hiking and Camping. Birmingham and surrounding mountains offer so many opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts or just those interested in being fit and getting outside. Come learn about great local local hikes, how to camp comfortably with kids, the gear you'll need, and more. This interactive clinic is for those just getting started and for the seasoned hiker. All those that attend will receive a 15% off coupon at Mountain High to help you get out on the trail ! Pre-register at Whole Foods Market
• July 24 - Juggling Workshop & Pizza at Vestavia Hills Library Teen Department from 12:00 - 1:30.  Join Ron Anglin for a Juggling Workshop with pizza lunch.  No charge.  Registration required at 978-0155, ages 11 and up.
  

• July 25 - Thirsty Wednesday at Birmingham Botanical Gardens from 6:00a.m. – 9:00a.m.  Don’t miss “Thirsty Wednesday” presented by Fox 6 and Red Diamond! Meet at The Gardens, just inside Blount Plaza from 6am – 9am for a morning of five interviews with anchors from Good Day Alabama. Film crews will be on hand while Board Members and Executive Director, Fred Spicer, discuss all the aspects of The Gardens. Children are invited to come out at 7:30am for stories and crafts in between segments. Admission is free and complimentary breakfast will be served all morning. We’re depending on our supporters to help us keep a crowd all morning long!  

• July 25 - Daisy Cow and Her Milking Machine at Springville Road Library at 10:30 a.m  Watch Daisy, all hooked up to her milking machine.  Cookies and milk will be provided.  An educational program brought to you by the Dairy Farmers of Alabama.
• July 27 - Performance on the Green in Montgomery www.montgomeryballet.com. Free admission. Blount Cultrual Park--Montgomery Ballet's premier event is the exciting culmination of the Intensive Summer Seminar, when students from around the Southeast come to the city for classes with Montgomery’s Professional Company and instructors. Gates open, 6:30 p.m.; performance 8 p.m.
• July 27 & 28 - Born to LEAD Teen Summit at Brooks Hall at Samford University, 800 Lakeshore Drive, Birmingham, AL 35229 from 3:00 - 5:00pm http://www.born2lead.netBorn to LEAD was created to dispel socioeconomic barriers, promote abstinence and provide sex education, overcome self-esteem issues, confront self-destructive cycles and unify today's youth and their families. By combining various multi-media, performance arts, music, comedy and motivational speakers, we appeal to today's sight and sound generation. Our aim is to challenge tomorrow's leaders to think beyond cultural conformity and assimilation toward their futures and overall well-being.
• July 28 - Metro Back to School Blast at Metropolitan Church of God located at 2800 Metropolitan Way in Birmingham from 8:00 - 12:00.  Bring your kids to experience 4,000 free backpacks with school supplies, haircuts, hearing screening, spinal health screening, Kid I.D., adult health screening, inflatable rides, refreshments, and a KidStuf production featuring music, drama, video, and giveaways.  Many thanks to Cheryl for this info!!!
  
• July 28 - Math & Science Fun Day at Five Points West Library from 12:00 - 4:00 PM.  For grades K - 12.  Remote control cars, a dissected pig, snakes, explosions, and more!
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• July 28 - Tuscaloosa Babypalooza & Expo at University Mall in Tuscaloosa.  Whether it's questions about nursing, nanny services, maternity fashions, prenatal massage, baby products, finding a photographer or planning the first birthday party, exhibitors at Babypalooza will have the answer," says Cecilia Pearson, Event Producer. DCH Health System will host pre and postnatal health seminars at 11:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m., they will also have several booths providing information for women's and infant health care. More than 30 exhibitors will be set up throughout the mall with products and services for the prenatal to preschool market in West Alabama. There also will be a Citywide Baby Shower celebrating expectant moms with fun and games between seminar times, a Diaper Derby, Car Seat Safety, Sampling from Buffalo Rock and Barber's Milk, and Mayfield Dairy, Product Demonstrations, and lots of giveaways. Admission is free. For more information call (205) 445-1345 or visit www.babypaloozatour.com.
• July 28 - Noccalula Falls in Gadsden, AL with Fresh Air Family at 10:00AM at The Falls (Bham caravan will meet at 9:00am in the Barnes & Noble Parking Lot at The Summit)  Join us as we visit these cool, misty falls which cascade 90 feet over Lookout Mountain Ledge into a lush ravine. The park is also home to the Gilliland-Reese covered bridge, botanical gardens and a pioneer homestead. We'll spend the day visiting the falls and park. Be sure to ear shoes or boots for walking. Bring a sack lunch, snacks and plenty of water to drink.  Register for this free event at director@freshairfamily.org 
• July 28 - Short Dayhike and Glorious Swim Moderately easy walk on a road through the woods in the upper section of Little River Canyon National Preserve to a rather secluded, quite large and very lovely pool on Little River itself in the woods above Little River Falls. This will be only the second time we have visited this particular swimming area. Time permitting, we may also visit the 102-foot DeSoto Falls in the early evening. Optional dinner after. Please bring picnic lunch, water, swimsuit, river shoes and floatation device of your choice. Hot showers available before dinner. Bring shower things and change of clothes if you wish. Meet 8:00 a.m. At Applebee's Restaurant Trussville.
  Info: David Freeman, 655-9172
• July 29 & 30 - Stars on the Riverfront is Alabama Dance Theatre's annual FREE performance featuring classical and contemporary works.  Sun. 2:30 p.m. at Armory Learning Arts Ctr., Mon. 7:30 p.m. at the Riverfront Amphitheater in Montgomery.  
• Aug 1 - Fresh Air Family at Birmingham Public Library at noon.  Fresh Air Family is a local organization dedicated to raising awareness of the educational and recreational opportunities afforded by Alabama's natural environment. Verna Gates, the organization's founder and executive director, will share her insights as a long time nature advocate about the importance of introducing people of all ages to the joys and adventures of the outdoors.
• Aug. 1 - Romance of the Middle Ages The Emmet O'Neal Library's Brown Bag Lunch series meets every Wednesday at 12:30. Today we'll hear from a Brown Bag regular and crowd favorite, Nathan Glick, who will present his renderings of the Middle Ages in beautiful colors for the audience. We'll hear a talk about the life and culture of the Medieval period. Bring a sack lunch, drinks and dessert provided. For more information, contact Katie at 445-1118 or kmoellering@bham.lib.al.us
• Aug 8 - Faith Comes by Hearing at the Birmingham Public Library at noon.  Held in more than sixty different Birmingham area churches, weekly mass meetings brought cohesion and a sense of shared sacrifice to Birmingham's Civil Rights Movement. Pepperdine University historian David Holmes will explore the rhetoric of the preachers and activists who helped mold a mass movement into a revolution
• Aug 9 & 11 - Handmade Fiber and Finger Weaving  at the Birmingham Museum of Art from 10:00am - 12:00pm.  Take a short-course in Native American textiles! Start with making essential cordage from native plant fibers. Then try the art of traditional finger weaving (without a loom!) and twined bags, an important and nearly extint 18th-century Indian art.
• Aug 10- Frog Metamorphosis Explore how amphibians transform from a single cell to the wonderful hopping creatures we adore. Dr. Rayburn will also discuss problems faced by all animals during their development.  DeSoto State Park 8:00 - 9:00pm. 
  
• Aug. 11 - Learning by the Lake Series: Native Fishes at 7:00p.m  Join United States Forest Service and JSU biologist Dr. Mark Meade for an interesting hour of educational fun at Coleman Lake Recreational Area in the Talledega National Forest.  Take advantage of the beautiful location and camp for the weekend!
• Aug 11 - Venomous Organisms of Alabama at DeSoto State Park 8:00 - 9:00pm  Some plants and animals really get your attention with their special lines of defense. Toxicologist Dr. James Rayburn of JSU will present this program on a variety of species that can cause pain, injury, or even death.
• Aug 15 - Dealing With Drought at Birmingham Public Library at noon.  Since 2000 Jefferson County has experienced three drought seasons.  Sally Lee from the Jefferson County Extension Office will explain how to deal with these dry spells.
• Sep. 29 - Museum Day is a nationwide event where participating museums and cultural institutions across the country offer free admission to Smithsonian readers and Smithsonian.com visitors, allowing for one day only, the free-admission policy of Smithsonian's Washington, D.C.-based facilities to be emulated across the country.  Participants must present the Museum Day to receive FREE GENERAL ADMISSION. The Museum Day Admission Card is valid for you plus one guest and is limited to one per household. You can click on this link to find  participating venues across the U.S.  Thanks very much to Berta for this information!

  Admission Card
  

  Participating venues in Alabama

  Alabama Museum of Natural History
  Tuscaloosa
  
  
  Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
  Birmingham
  
  
  Fendall Hall
  Eufaula
  
  
  Karl C. Harrison Museum of George Washington
  Columbiana
  
  
  Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts
  Montgomery
  
  
  Moundville Archaeological Park
  Moundville
  
  
  The University of Alabama Museum of Natural History
  Tuscaloosa
  
  
  U.S. Space & Rocket Center
  Huntsville

 

 

• Free Rosetta Stone - Rosetta Stone is an online language library that offers a powerful method for fast and effective language learning online.  This award-winning program uses recorded voices of native speakers and thousands of real life photographs to recreate the natural process of language learning.  There are 29 complete two-year language courses offered here for free!!! http://www.jclc.org/