Yes,
my name really is Jimmie.
Niches that I Build Lenses Around
Most lensmasters have niches-- specific areas that they are both knowledgeable and passionate about. Here are mine.- Lapbooking
- Charlotte Mason Homeschooling
- Notebooking
- China
- General Homeschooling
- Miscellaneous (Wouldn't I seem boring if all my lenses fit into strict categories?)
Why Did I Begin Making Lenses at Squidoo?
How it all started
Squidoo lenses looked like just what I needed to create my lapbooking reference page. So, I created my first lens: all my lapbooking ideas, tips, and links in one convenient spot.
I never dreamed that my Lapbooking lens would become so popular. I shared it on my blog and in the Carnival of Homeschooling. It started to rise in lensrank.

It ranked as high as THREE at one time stayed in the top 100 for months and months. WOW! (For those of you who don't know, there are over 500,000 lenses at Squidoo!) The ironic thing is that in the beginning, I had no idea how amazing it was for my newbie lens to be ranked so highly. I had found a niche! I had found a topic that needed to be written about! I was not the only one who liked to see all the lapbooking links organized on one page.
Over many months, as I honed my lensmaking skills (mostly through the SquidU forum and some wonderful HTML lenses out there), it just got better and better.
I started getting compliments via email and comments. People asked me for lapbooking advice. People started linking to my page and saying it was great. (Blushing, here) I was asked to speak at a homeschool conference about lapbooking! (I couldn't go, but, wow, was I flattered!) Now my lens is in the process of being translated into French by a homeschooling mom in France!
THE Lapbooking Lens
This is where my Squidoo journey began -- a lens on Lapbooking. (It has nothing to do with laptops, by the way.)-
Lapbooking
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Lapbooking can be done by any learner-- from preschoolers to adults. With this educational method, you make mini-books covering details that you've studied. After making a variety of mini-books about a larger topic, all the books are put together in...
More Lapbooking Helps
My original lapbooking lens is sometimes a bit overwhelming to newbies, so I created an easier to follow, bare bones, how to get started lens on lapbooking. Then I created more specifics about lapbooking. Those lenses are below.-
Lapbooking and Unit Study Themes
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This page is guide to all my other pages of lapbooking, notebooking, or unit study themes. An entire list of all my pages here at Squidoo can be found on my profile page.
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Lapbooking -- Frequently Asked Questions
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Most any topic comes with its own set of FAQ --frequently asked questions. Lapbooking is no exception. These questions seem to be asked by most new lapbookers. The fortunate thing is that there are lots of other lapbookers who've already come up with...
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Lapbooking Versus Notebooking
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Lapbooking and notebooking are both popular among homeschoolers now. I will take you through some basic characteristics of each and hopefully answer these questions: What are these learning methods? How are they similar? How are they different? Whic...
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How to Create an Animal Lapbook
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Planning your own lapbook is quite do-able because of the wealth of free and instant resources available on the Internet. This lens will point you in the right directions for a free DIY animal lapbook. Once you understand the process, you can use the...
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A Super Easy Way To Begin Lapbooking : The Simplest Lapbook Ever
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So you've heard about lapbooking and seen pictures or videos of other people's finished lapbooks all over homeschooling blogs. You're intrigued and want to make a lapbook with your own children. But where to start? How can you transform that plain, b...
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How to Make a Wheel Book
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Grab some cardstock and a paper fastener! We're going to make a wheel book today! This minibook is especially popular with the little ones because of the motion of the book. The wheel book is especially good for steps in a process or listing several...
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How to Make a Tabbed Book
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Making a tabbed book is quite easy! So you don't really need a template. You simply need instructions. Do you have scissors (or a paper cutter), a ruler, a stapler, and some paper? Okay. Follow these step by step directions and you can make this min...
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How to Make a Three Fourths Book
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A three fourths minibook is a simple fold for your lapbook that offers plenty of space inside for writing text or drawing pictures.
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How to Make a Matchbook
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Called a matchbook because it's folded like a book of matches, this minibook is just a few folds away. Generally a small book, it is perfect for vocabulary words or other snippets of information. Make several and arrange them in a group inside your...
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How to Make a Four Corner Minibook
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Have a square of paper? Then you can easily make this minibook. Because of how it's folded, the four corner minibook is also often called an envelope book. Make it large or make it small depending on how much content you want to include in the book....
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Minibook Gallery
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Whether you're new to lapbooking and are trying to get an idea of what minibooks are or whether you're an old hand at lapbooking and want some fresh ideas, welcome to the minibook gallery! Browse the images for some creative inspiration. Follow the...
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How to Plan a Lapbook
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Once you understand the basics of lapbooking, you can easily plan your own lapbook to match whatever topic you are studying. You don't need to buy a kit, so you save money. And you can custom design the lapbook to reflect your children's interests a...
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How to Make a Trifold Minibook
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A trifold is one of the simplest and most versatile minibook out there. It's called a trifold because it's folded in thirds just like you fold a letter to put into an envelope. This lapbook option can be large or small. With lots of empty space ins...
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The Best Lapbooking Blogs
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Want a regular supply of lapbooking inspriation? Subscribe to the feeds of the best lapbooking blogs. Each day you'll see some brilliant ideas and lots of links to explore.
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Lapbook Video Showcase
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Wouldn't it be great if another homeschooling mom could come over with a lapbook in hand and simply show you what lapbooking is all about? If she could let you see an actual lapbook and explain how it works, how it's made, and what her children lear...
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What Do I Need to Get Started With Lapbooking?
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If you're ready to take the plunge to use lapbooks in your curriculum, you should evaluate your resources. Do you have what you need to do it well? Where do you store your craft and art supplies? Do you have the essentials for lapbooking? Do you know...
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How to Make a Flag Book
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A flag book looks tricky, but it's not really hard. These step by step photo instructions will teach you how to make a flag book that you can fill with whatever you want. It's sure to impress! Use it as a minibook for lapbooking something you learne...
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How to Make a Three Square Unfolding Book
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This is a tiny book that opens up BIG. In fact, it's so big that some people call it an explosion book or a squash book! Okay, I'm not going to lie. This minibook is a bit difficult to make because it involves some origami folds. BUT it's really coo...
Queen of Minibooks!
No,
Jimmie is not short for James.
Lapbook Topic Pages
As do-it-yourself lapbookers, I realized that lenses would be the perfect place to organize all the best resources for lapbooking a certain topic: photos, links, and ideas. I'd already done most of the hard work when my daughter and I studied the topic and made the lapbook. All I had to do was put it all in the format of a lens. Easy peasy! My work can now help other moms who want to lapbook the same topic.
Lapbooking Specialties
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Chemistry Lapbook
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Finally we are studying chemistry for homeschool science! This year is going to be really fun! We will study the elements, learn about subatomic particles, read biographies of famous chemists, and the best part -- make lots of messy experiments! Besi...
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Penguin Lapbook
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The penguin makes a great unit study and topic for a lapbook. There is the biology involved in the study of the animal itself. You can also add the earth science and geography of the penguin's habitat. Then there are great living books about pe...
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Physics Lapbook
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Think physics is only for college geeks? Think again! Physics is a fascinating facet of science that is especially relevant to children -- pushing and pulling, falling and leaping are all components of this science. Even elementary students can benef...
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Human Body Lapbook
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We all have one! We use it every moment of every day-- your incredible human body! What a personal and relevant topic of study for any child! For the younger students, your study may focus primarily on anatomy, so you will explore the body's organs...
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Space Lapbook
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Take advantage of a child's natural fascination with outer space and space travel with this science unit study! What child doesn't like to pretend he's an astronaut, flying a spaceship to a distant planet or yet to be discovered galaxy? Channel...
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Rainforest Lapbook
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The tropical rainforest is a fascinating topic for a homeschool unit study! Just the botany and zoology alone could take weeks to cover. There are also the history of the rainforest, the indigenous peoples of the rainforest, and the economy of the ra...
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Classical Music Lapbook
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Music is one of those topics that we homeschool moms know we should teach our children. But whether it's because of our own lack of knowledge, a tight homeschool budget, or just a crowded schedule, music study often gets pushed to the back burner. Th...
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President Barack Obama Lapbook
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Celebrate President's Day or Black History Month (or both!) with a study of our current president -- Barack Obama! Read about our 44th president and make a lapbook to record what you learn.
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Ancient Egypt Lapbook
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Ancient Egypt is one of the most fascinating of world cultures! What child isn't intrigued with mummies, pyramids, and the complicated religion of this ancient civilization? Create an interdisciplinary study by including subjects besides just histor...
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Thanksgiving Lapbook
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Take a break from your regular homeschool curriculum and have a Thanksgiving unit study! History, culture, and food all come together in this topic! Create a lapbook to record what you learn. This page will direct you to great books to read and free...
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Mini Offices
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A mini office is a particular application of lapbooks. Each child can make his own mini-office -- a lapbook filled with reference pages for his own learning. The sky is the limit on what you can include. Fill the mini office with the charts that your...
Some of Our Lapbooks
I love using Flickr to store pictures of our lapbooks. Not only are they safe forever, but I have the joy of showing off and sharing with others!
Here are some lapbook covers. More pictures are on Flickr. Help yourself to a look.
Vote in the Poll
Giant Squid and Rocket Mom
& Giant Squid Awards 2008

As of July 2008, I am a Giant Squid. That means that I have at least 50 great lenses (as decided by the Giant Squid organizers). Then in July of 2009, I was awarded GIANT 100 Squid status!Besides this nifty badge (grin), you get some special perks like increased lensrank and a special personalized template.
For more information about the Giant Squid program, a great place to visit is the So You Want to be a Giant Squid blog.

Two of my lenses won in the 2008 Giant Squid Awards!
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On June 3, 2009, I graduated from the very first Rocket Moms "class." Of course, I'm still a Rocket Mom! But I completed my RM assignments in June of '09.
Lensmaking Tip #1
Pictures, Images, and Graphics!
You've got to have them to make your lens attractive. My general rule of thumb is to have some sort of graphic showing on the lens at all times, no matter where someone has scrolled to. That means LOTS of photos!
Some of My All Time Favorite Books
These books are ones that impacted me greatly, changing the way I think or behave. I highly recommend each of them.
Shepherding a Child's Heart by Tedd Tripp
Foundational parenting philosophy.3 points
Sacred Marriage by Gary L. Thomas
The premise of this book is that marriage is more more...2 points
Transforming Grace: Living Confidently in God's Unfailing Love by Jerry Bridges
This book was pivotal in my spiritual development. more...2 points
Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World: Finding Intimacy With God in the Busyness of Life (Revised Edition with New Bible Study) by Joanna Weaver
A much needed book at a hard time in my life.2 points
The Message Remix 2.0: The Bible In contemporary Language
This version of the Bible makes old passages come more...0 points
No,
My parents did not want a boy.
Words I Would Use to Describe Myself
I'm sometimes an INTJ and sometimes an ENTJ on the Meyers Briggs Personality test. I'm very "in the middle" on the introvert/extrovert scale, but the other scales are always consistent.Here are some words I would use to describe myself:
- Responsible
- Loyal
- Creative
- Analytical
- Expressive
- Curious
- Task oriented
Sprite's Arts and Crafts
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Sprite's Craft Corner
This is my daughter's craft blog. Don't tell her, but this is my sneaky attempt to motivate her to write! She tells me what to type, and we discuss and edit it before we publish.
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byA Lens Just For Sprite
My daughter already loves surfing the net! I finally discovered that I could use a Squidoo lens, updated weekly to give her some structure to her Internet play time. I put links that reinforce what we're studying and plenty of fun things too.-
Sprite's Websites to Explore
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This lens is primarily a place for me to list links I want my daughter to explore as part of her homeschool studies. You're welcome to poke around and see what she's learning.
Homeschool Lenses for Everyone
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Greek Classics for Children
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Any study of ancient history would be incomplete without a stop in Ancient Greece. The Greeks gave Western Civilization incomparable contributions -- the seeds of democracy, mathematics, philosophy, theater, and art.
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Timelines for Homeschool
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Timelines are an important complement to any homeschool history curriculum. They are especially good for visual learners because they offer a view of historical events in a pictoral way. Even very young children can use a timeline to see the span of...
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Spelling
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Spelling -- didn't you dread it in school: the pages and pages full of your words written "ten times each," cramming for a test each Thursday night, and the deadly dull Spelling Bee each year? It doesn't have to be boring! Make spelling fun with gam...
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Shakespeare Animated Tales Video Showcase
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Shakespeare: The Animated Tales is a BBC television program of 12 episodes, each episode showing an animated half-hour adaptation of one of Shakespeare's plays. These shows are a great way for children to experience Shakespeare's stories and become...
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A Homeschool Gallery
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Every homeschool is unique. Ours is no exception! I welcome you to step into our homeschool gallery and browse the examples of my daughter Sprite's projects, crafts, and fieldtrips. Each photo is linked back to Flickr where even more homeschooling im...
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Audio Homeschool
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We all have our own preferred learning style whether it be visual, auditory, or kinesthetic. But did you know that learning is always enhanced when more than one learning style is used? So spice up your lessons by adding in some auditory elements! ...
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Flickr for Homeschool
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Flickr is a photo hosting site with a lot of fun extras that are quite useful for homeschoolers! Let me show you all Flickr can do for you! Icon credit
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Catalogs for Homeschoolers
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Looking for free homeschool catalogs? Scan this page for all the best catalogs out there -- most are just a few clicks away. Then watch your mailbox because the fun will start pouring in! image credit
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Flat Travelers
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Trading flat travelers through the mail is an engaging way learn about geography and even other cultures! Simply create a flat traveler -- a paper or cardstock character that can fit into an envelope. Arrange a host family, and mail your flat to them...
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Top Ten Cures for the Homeschool Blahs
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Despite the joy we homeschool moms find in educating our children at home, there can be boring days where it feels that we're just going through the motions. We feel it, and the children feel it too! If we don't address that boredom, lethargy can se...
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Grammar for Homeschool
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Although teaching grammar has become slightly old fashioned, most home educators still want to incorporate at least the very basics of the parts of speech into their language arts curriculum. Here is a collection of some of the best resources availab...
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Celebrate National Dictionary Day!
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October 16, the birthday of Noah Webster, is Dictionary Day in America. Show your appreciation for this most useful of reference books by celebrating Dictionary Day with your children --learn some new words, learn how dictionaries came to be, spruce...
Math Lenses
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Tangrams
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Tangrams are geometry made into 3D, creative fun! Print off some paper tangrams or make your own from craft foam. Then put on your visual-spatial thinking cap as you discover how to arrange the tiles to make animals, people, or objects. Put away the...
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Transitioning to Living Math
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Yes, it's hard. Very, very hard to set aside the workbook and orderly math progression through an outlined curriculum and shift to what seems to be a messy, random bunch of games and hands-on activities. You love the concept of living math. You know...
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Living Math
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In a child's early years, math is actually play. Counting, stacking, sorting, and balancing are all fun activities that develop mathematical reasoning. Don't separate math from fun. Don't kill a child's natural love of mathematical play by insisting...
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Charts and Graphs for Learning
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We were studying the instruments of the orchestra, and my daughter had an idea to make a poll of people's favorite composers to add to her lapbook . I asked her a few questions, and she said, "Wait a minute. I know just what I want. Let me go ge...
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Hands-on Fractions
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Understanding fractions is a critical foundation of math learning. But despite their daily frequency in our lives, math with fractions can be difficult to grasp. Not surprisingly, research shows that to master fractions, students need multiple opport...
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Printables for Mathematicians Are People Too
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Biographies are a mainstay of a living books curriculum. Therefore biographies of mathematicians are a key part of living approach to math. In my transition to living math, I bought the book, Mathematicians Are People, Too. It is composed of 15 chap...
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Learning and Teaching Math Headquarters
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Learning and Teaching Math -- Math is FUN! Math is all around us, used in our daily lives. And math is actually fun! Come find out all the ways to learn math in a way that motivates and fascinates. Games, hands-on activities, crafts, experiments, an...
Our Favorite Family Movies
A family movie is a special thing -- a movie that's safe for your child but also entertaining for the parents. These fit the bill for the entire family. We've watched them over and over.
Nacho Libre (Full Screen Special Collector's Edition) by Unknown
"I smell cookies....." A movie about a w more...0 points
School of Rock (Widescreen Edition)
We think Jack Black is a scream! Dad loves this on more...0 points
Fiddler on the Roof (2-Disc Collector's Edition)
This classic is a winner at our home -- family val more...0 points
Daddy Day Care (Special Edition)
Our favorite line from this movie, which gets quot more...0 points
Lensmaking Tip #2
Share! Be generous!
Offer freebies on your lens. For example, on some of my lenses, I have links to free printable homeschooling templates that I created. Everyone loves freebies! Give and you will recieve!
My Tagfoot

Tagfoot is a cool new bookmarking site with so many neat features -- comment on bookmarks, post your own articles, upload pictures, send messages! Here are my latest bookmarks.
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byChina
I actually live in China, so we are blessed to be able to take some amazing field trips! My China lenses come out of my own interest and experiences in my wonderful host country.
The Ancient China lens came about after our family vacation to see the Terracotta Soldiers in Xian, China. It was an incredible experience that ignited in Sprite an interest in archaeology and a deep appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of this land.
The photos below are ones that I've taken during our time in China.
China Related Lenses & Groups
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Dragon Boat Festival
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Dragon Boat Festival is celebrated on the 5th day of the 5th month. But that's not May 5th. This holiday is calculated according to the lunar calendar. In 2009, the Dragon Boat Festival is May 28. You still have time to plan some fun activities for...
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Ancient China: A Homeschool Unit Study
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When teaching our children ancient history, we are sure to include Ancient Mesopotamia, Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece, and Ancient Rome. Unfortunately we sometimes omit another great ancient civilization on the other side of the globe-- Ancient China...
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Mid-Autumn Festival
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Most cultures have a harvest festival. China is no exception. The Mid-Autumn Festival 中秋节 (Zhong Qiu Jie) is one of the three most important, traditional Chinese holidays. (The other two are Chinese New Year and Dragon Boat Festi...
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Chinese New Year
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新年快乐 Happy Chinese New Year! Take your children on a fascinating cultural experience -- celebrate Chinese New Year! Chinese New Year is the celebration of a new lunar year. It is a fifteen day holiday that starts on the e...
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Broaden Your Horizons -- Learn About China Headquarters
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Broaden Your Horizons -- Learn About China A potpourri of lenses all centering on the Middle Kingdom-- China. Come learn about China! Lesmasters, appropriate lenses for this group teach something about China -- the land, the culture, the language,...
Still China Related, But On the Lighter Side
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Crazy English
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I call it Crazy English. Others call it Chinglish or Engrish. Whatever you call it, it's hilarious! When people in China try to use English, disastrous errors often result. Enjoy a chuckle at my collection of crazy English, most of which was capture...
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The Squatty Potty
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When traveling internationally, there are two main areas of dread for many people -- food and toilets! You're on your own with the food, but I'm here to help you with how to use the "squatty potty" found all over Asia. This is a delicate topic, and n...
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A Trip to a Chinese Wet Market
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Although there are modern supermarkets in China, the absolutely freshest meat and vegetables are to be found at the open air wet markets. I'm going to take you on a virtual field trip to some wet markets in ordinary Chinese towns. Put on some sturdy...
Asia in General
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The Asian Food and Spirits Group Headquarters
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The Asian Food Group This group is dedicated to showcasing the amazing flavors that Asia has to offer. Here you can find the very best information on the most delicious cuisine from this exotic corner of the world. In the 1...
Hobbies I Enjoy
- Cooking from scratch
- Photography
- Blogging and making lenses
- Collecting postcards
- Traveling (but coming home is always the best part!)
General Kid Fun Lenses
from preschool and beyond
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Playdough
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Besides a freshly baked loaf of bread, I can't think of a better use of a few cups of flour besides a batch of velvety soft playdough! The simple toys are the best, and playdough has to rank up at the top of simple toys. A handful of playdough, a pla...
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Salt Dough Maps
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How can a little flour, water, and paint become a fantastic hands-on geography project? With salt dough maps, that's how! Get messy and make a 3D relief map of a country or state with these directions and pictures.
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Mother Goose Rhymes
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Not only are Mother Goose rhymes a part of our western cultural heritage, but Mother Goose has her own special holiday. May 1 is Mother Goose Day! Of course, these classic rhymes can be celebrated any day of the year! How well do you know your...
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How to Make a Shadow Puppet Theater
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Making shadow puppets with your hands has been a pastime since the earliest of times as men sat around an open fire. Dress it up a bit by designing a small puppet theater and cardboard shadow puppets. Then dim the lights and treat your family and fri...
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Making a Shoebox Diorama
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The classic shoebox diorama is a childhood rite of passage. Although it can be used for school work, your children may enjoy making them just for fun. Make a diorama alongside your child today with this step by step tutorial.
Jimmie's Collage
My Very Own Blog
My blog is hosted by Doreo, which I'm very satisfied with. My sign up was a bit complicated because I live abroad, but Frank, a Doreo associate, helped me through several days of problems, emailing me back and forth until I got successfully set up. I highly recommend Doreo for affordable and reliable web hosting.

Fetching RSS feed... please stand byYes,
I hated my name as a child. I wanted to be called Judy. But now I enjoy my name. It's different and therefore people usually remember my name.
Lensmaking Tip #3
Keep your lenses fresh. Just like your mascara needs a touch up now and then, your lenses do too!
For more detailed tips and tricks for keeping lenses fresh, visit my Squidoo Tips lens.
Lenses as a Research Project
My two favorite people. No, Jiminy isn't one of them.
(But I do like him, of course; his name is almost the same as mine!)
I was not very knowledgeable about this homeschool philosophy in the beginning, but I wanted to know more. Creating Squidoo lenses on CM topics was what I did to organize my research and my findings. As a result, I not only ended up with a deeper understanding of CM, but I also had documented what I learned to share with others.
So when I find a topic that I feel I should research, I make a lens about it. That motivates me to find good material and to learn. For example, I'd like to learn about opera. So, at some point I'm going to make a lens about opera for kids (and newbies like me). I am a lifelong learner with a strong dive to constantly be learning something new and creating something new.
Charlotte Mason Lenses & Groups
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Charlotte Mason on Math
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Although modern CM practitioners use the term "living math," you will see that it is not in her original writings.She did talk repeatedly about "living books," and obviously the term living has been carried over to the learning of math. Charlotte Ma...
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The Best Charlotte Mason Homeschooling Blogs
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I enjoy reading blogs. That peek into another mom's daily life offers inspiration and focus. Yes, in fact, I am doing enough in our homeschool. Or perhaps, no, I'm not doing enough in this area, but this blog gives me some great ideas for how to get...
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Charlotte Mason: The Simplest Homeschool Ever
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At first glance, Charlotte Mason's educational philosophy seems complicated. But in fact, that misconception is only because CM is so vastly different from the textbook driven education many of us received in public schools. As you read more and mor...
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Charlotte Mason Basics
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The homeschool movement is gaining momentum all over the world, and many home educators are looking back to the ideas of Charlotte Mason as a compass for teaching their own children. Charlotte Mason was an educator who lived in England from 1841-192...
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Charlotte Mason Homeschooling Headquarters
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Welcome to Charlotte Mason Homeschooling! This group features lenses that help homeschoolers implement Charlotte Mason's philosophy in all areas including narration, living books, poetry, Shakespeare, timelines, living math, composer study, artist...
Charlotte Mason Homeschool Photos
Charlotte Mason in Her Own Words
Quotation Lenses
These lenses feature quotations taken directly from Charlotte Mason's writings.-
Charlotte Mason Quotes
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Charlotte Mason was an educator in England who lived from 1842 to 1923. Her educational philosophy, called the Charlotte Mason method, is used by many modern homeschoolers. Here is a collection of quotes by Miss Mason on these topics: How Children...
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Charlotte Mason Quotes About Nature
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Charlotte Mason loved nature and felt that children should be outdoors among nature as much as possible each day, directly observing plants, animals, weather, and seasons. Many homeschoolers follow a Charlotte Mason style of education and incorporate...
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Charlotte Mason on the Bible
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Charlotte Mason had a lot to say about educating children. What did she think of the Bible? Was it important to her that children read the Bible? In fact, she had high regard for Scripture and thought that all children should be familiar with its sto...
Charlotte Mason Applied to Various Areas
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Narration Helps
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Narration is a cornerstone of a Charlotte Mason homeschool. Forget workbooks, expensive craft kits, and complicated busy work. Narration is a learning method that can be used for any age and for any subject. And it requires no purchases or special tr...
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Poetry in Homeschool
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April is National Poetry Month. Does your homeschool language arts curriculum include the study of poetry? Whether you're striving to incorporate more poetry into your curriculum or whether you are looking for a poetry unit study, this webpage should...
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Opera for Children
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Opera connotes a high brow artistic entertainment. But to put it simply, opera is a musical drama. Don't be intimidated. Plunge in and learn about an opera today! Taking children (and yourself!) to the opera is the best experience! But before you in...
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Shakespeare for Children
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When should students first be exposed to the world famous works of William Shakespeare? Should it be during high school or college years? Isn't it true that Shakespeare is inaccessible for most modern readers and certainly for all children? No, not...
Charlotte Mason Artist Study
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Artist Study -- Charlotte Mason Style
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With most things CM (Charlotte Mason), once you get accustomed to her methods and they become a habit, you realize just how easy they are. Artist study is no exception. Charlotte Mason's way of studying artists is inexpensive, simple, and enjoyable. ...
Charlotte Mason Artists
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John James Audubon Artist Study
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Was John James Audubon a sketching naturalist or a nature loving artist? Actually, his bird drawings were intended to be scientific sketches instead of art. But most people would agree that his careful observation of birds brought a realism and deta...
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Vermeer Artist Study
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Vermeer is a rather mysterious artist. We have no portraits to tell us what he looked like. Even the facts of his life are few. We do know that he left only thirty-five paintings, and his creation of a few of them is still disputed. With little back...
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Monet Artist Study
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Claude Monet is sure to be at the top of your homeschool artist study list! His paintings are everywhere and his contribution to art history is unparalleled. It is his own painting Impression-- Sunrise that gave Impressionism its name! Monet's subje...
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Cassatt Artist Study
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Mary Cassatt is an excellent choice for your homeschool artist study. She is one of the few women Impressionists, and commonly portrays domestic scenes of women and children. She was American by birth, but lived for much of her life in France, surro...
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Picasso Artist Study
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Study the artwork of a modern artist whose very name has come to mean a masterpiece of art-- "a Picasso." If your children have been studying more traditional artists, the works of Picasso may be a most welcome change of style. Dabble into the arti...
Charlotte Mason Art
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Teaching Art Headquarters
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Teaching Art Welcome to Teaching Art -- a collection of excellent resources to inspire and guide you as you educate children in the arts.
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Using Drawing with Children by Mona Brookes
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Here is the record of our homeschool journey into drawing, using Mona Brookes' Drawing with Children as our main resource. My daughter Sprite is nine years old. She is a motivated artist who wants to hone her skills. I do the activities right alongsi...
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Preparing for a Trip to an Art Museum
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No amount of studying art from books or computer screens can substitute for seeing actual pieces in a museum. So visiting an art museum is a wonderful complement to a Charlotte Mason styled artist study. regardless of which artist you are currently s...
Charlotte Mason Composer Study
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Bach Composer Study
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Anyone using Charlotte Mason styled composer study is sure to encounter Johann Sebastian Bach at some point. Although more famous in his lifetime as an organist than as a composer, Bach is considered today to be one of the primary Baroque composers o...
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Tchaikovsky Composer Study
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Remember the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies? Even if you think you don't, I'm positive that you do! Listen to this midi file and you'll instantly recognize the tune. That famous piece was written by Tchaikovsky as part of The Nutcracker ballet. Pet...
Charlotte Mason Nature Study
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Nature Tales
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Of course, the best way to learn about nature is through first hand experiences. Nothing can substitute for a nature walk. But a living book with nature themes makes for a great read when you're not out exploring the woods or the beach. Fortunately f...
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Nature Study -- Charlotte Mason Style
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Charlotte Mason's educational philosohpy is a great fit for homeschool families who love great books, simple methods, and academic excellence. One component of a Charlotte Mason education is the regular study of nature. Nature Study has just two pa...
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Nature Study at the Beach
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Charlotte Mason considered it ridiculous that a child would study about the rainforest but not recognize the plants and animals in his own back yard. But she certainly didn't limit nature study only to a family's immediate surroundings. Nature study...
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Last Child In The Woods
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People need nature - really need nature, not merely enjoy nature or benefit from nature. Children need experiences with nature just as they need sleep or healthy food. Why? Richard Louv spends much of his book Last Child in the Woods explaining exact...
The Name Jimmie for a Girl....
What do you think of it?
What's your opinion of using the name Jimmie for a girl?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byGirls should have "girl" names.
KathrynDarden says:
Jimmie IS a girl's name! Notice the "ie" on the end. Just like my Bobbie, Billie, and Tommie, who were my great aunts, all born before 1900.
Posted April 16, 2009
Rajays says:
Before reading this lens I always thought you were a man. Your name suggested it. Now imagine MY surprise. Girls should have "girl" names. Atleast I wouldn't be feeling this stupid.
Posted October 07, 2008
It's cool. At least it's unique!
papawu says:
I know of people who have named their child after a number or a letter, so far be it for me to say anything about a girl named Jimmie. At least it's an actual name rather than 6 or Z.
Posted May 28, 2009
Deven says:
My name is a boy's name: Deven! Although it's used both ways. I love unique names! Even though all of my kidlets have traditional.
Posted May 12, 2009
tandemonimom says:
My daughters are named Noa and Mica (note the dropped "H"s), so I guess you know where I fall in this debate!
Posted April 18, 2009
Daphnemomof9 says:
I love unique! My daughter is expecting a baby next month and the names that she picks can go either way. I do believe they've chosen the one they're going to use now and it is Eden. Unique names are the best names.
Posted April 13, 2009
sittonbull says:
Don't think I'd like to be a boy named "Sue", but
Jimmie is unique and the ie makes it feminine and
nice!
Posted January 28, 2009
luvmyludwig says:
well I love unusual names so I love the fact that your name is Jimmie. I wanted to name my son, Chrystian,
zildjian Pearl --His dad refused and I love the name
Harley for a girl
Posted January 14, 2009
KathrynJB says:
Your lens here suggests that you are someone with a lot of creativity, energy, and joy. Your name seems to suit you. If I were you, I wouldn't aspire too hard to be that elegant Victorian Lady. You seem much more interesting than that.
Posted January 10, 2009
snoglicker says:
I'm really inspired! This is a very lovely and information-packed lense. I hope to spend more time on mine :)
Posted November 28, 2008
My Lensmaster Buddies
I know these ladies via other online communities -- blogging, Yahoo groups, or forums. They make great lenses related to homeschooling.Notebooking Related Lenses
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Make Your Own Notebooking Pages
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So, you've done a bit of notebooking using the freebies online. Maybe you've even bought a kit or two. But now your creativity is kicking in and you want to do it yourself! Yes, you can make your own notebooking pages, even if you're not terribly co...
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Notebooking Exhibit
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You've heard about notebooking. You know it's a flexible tool that can be used with most any curriculum or homeschooling style. You've read a bit about it, but you're still not quite sure. What is notebooking? What does it actually look like, and how...
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Math Notebooking
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Whether you call them math notebooks or math journals, writing about math and documenting math activities are a great way to cement mathematical understanding. And along the way, you're creating a wonderful record of your math studies that can be use...
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50 States Notebook
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The Fifty States of America is a popular notebooking topic. It can be the basis of a unit study, or it can be a supplement to your American history curriculum. When you're finished, you have a wonderful, homemade reference book.
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Science Notebooking
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If you're new to notebooking, you'll discover that science is a great topic to begin with. Because science is so broad and lends itself to a variety of methods of expression such as charts, diagrams, paragraphs, and photos, it's perfect for notebooki...
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Bible Notebooking
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Notebooking can be applied to any subject of study, including the Bible! Enrich your Bible study times by recording what you learn and documenting it in notebooks. The notebook is not the same as a personal prayer or devotional journal although a Bi...
Curriculum Focused Lenses

When we switched homeschool curriculum from Sonlight to Winter Promise, I got a lot of questions on my blog and via email about Winter Promise. That's how these came to be.
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Curriculum I've Used
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Here's an overview of what we've done for homeschool from kindergarten until now (currently wrapping up 4th grade). You can see our curriculum choices, philosophy changes, favorite books, and a good dose of crafts and fun. I even include some possibl...
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Winter Promise Versus Sonlight
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If you want a literature rich homeschool approach, you will want to evaluate these two excellent options -- Sonlight and Winter Promise.
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BF History of the Horse Unit Study
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Welcome to my curriculum review of The History of the Horse. We just started this material on March 2, 2009, so this is a work in progress. But feel free to poke around and come back later. Buying homeschool curriculum is a huge decision. Not only i...
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Winter Promise American Story 1 Extras
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Winter Promise's first year American history curriculum is fabulous! It is very thorough on its own, especially with the added Native American focus resources. BUT who can't resist adding a few extras here and there? We are finished with our WP jour...
Cooking Lenses
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Homemade Chicken Croquettes
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Croquettes are small rounded foods usually made of minced meat, fish, or vegetable coated with egg and bread crumbs and deep-fried. They are commonly served with a cream or tomato sauce, but they are equally good plain. Do you know how to say "croqu...
Miscellaneous
A general hodgepodge of leftovers that don't fit in anywhere else.-
100 Strangers: a Photography Project
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Photography is an art. However, there are skill sets that can be learned and honed as you strive to improve your photography. And of course, like any skill or talent, practice is crucial. The 100 Strangers Project offers a great way to motivate yours...
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Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction
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Scott O'Dell created The Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction in 1982 with the purpose of encouraging writers of historical fiction. His hope was to engage young readers in history through fantastic living books that bring the past alive. Scott...
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Chacos are the Best Sport Sandals
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I love sandals. When the weather gets warm, all other shoes are neglected. I want my feet to stay cool and free. And I love to show off painted toe nails! But I'm also on my feet a lot, walking on uneven ground and hiking outdoors. So "pretty" strap...
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Frugal Coffee Delight
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You love coffee, right? Maybe would even say that you need coffee on a daily basis. But flavored coffees and fancy creamers can really put a gash in the food budget. Have your coffee and drink it too with these frugal coffee add-ins. photo credit
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Junie B. Jones
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The first Junie B. Jones book was published in July 1992. Since that time, Barbara Park has written a total of twenty-seven Junie B. books and sold more than 43 million copies! Ms. Park is considered one of today’s funniest children's authors....
Animal Lenses
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Pig Pics
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Snout nose and curly pink tail... pigs are adorable! If you share my admiration of the humble pig, come enjoy some images and vote on your favorites. Or add some of your own! photo credit
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Panda Fascination
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The Panda Bear is most certainly one of the most famous and beloved of the world's endangered animals. Personally, I never was a huge fan of the panda until I saw them in person at a research center in China. They are amazingly beautiful animals -- g...
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Oreo the Homeschool Cat
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Meet Oreo, one of our homeschooled cats. My daughter "Sprite" is educated at home and since the cats like to get in the middle of everything we do, I figure that these are some very educated cats! Look at the photos for the evidence. And join in the...
Squidoo Specific Lenses
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I've Been Blessed by a Squid Angel! (or hoping to be)
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Have you been blessed by a Squid Angel? Or are you wishing for an angel blessing? Are you wondering what the blessing actually DOES? This is the right place to be! I'll try to unveil the mystery of the Angels program.
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A Homeschool Mom's Squidoo Tips & Tricks
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Just starting out making your first lens or polishing off number 20, you're probably still on the lookout for ways to make better lenses and improve the ones you've got. What's a lens, anyway? It's just Squidoo's word for a webpage. It's your lens o...
Guestbook
Thanks for dropping by and sharing my "Adventure."
Ya'll come back, now, ya hear?
papawu wrote...
All I can say is, thank God you have explained exactly what lapbooking is. I was at a loss before seeing this lens. I tried to write my opinion up above about the name Jimmie for a girl, but for some reason it didn't register. I say, I know people who have named their child after a number or a letter, so I'm all for Jimmie for a girl. At least it's an actual name rather than 6 or Z.
chefkeem wrote...
It's so nice to get to know you better, Jimmie. A hearty SquidAngel
Blessing for you fabulous lens work! :)
You're featured on SquidLog.com!
RickBaldwin wrote...
Thanks for the feedback! I'm noo to Squidoo but hopefully will someday be as good as yoo!
EverythingMouse wrote...
You have such an amazing collection of lenses -I always know who to look to when I need some homeschooling ideas. If you ever want to go to Disney World
I will plan your trip for you! You are very much appreciated here on Squidoo
Wir55 wrote...
This is a great lens. Maybe you could give me a few tips so I can get better rankings.
Heather426 wrote...
Wow! this is mind blowing. Now I am intimidated. Great lens! at least 5*****!!!
C-Joy wrote...
It is a great lensography! You certainly are one rockin' Rocket mom :)
by Jimmie
Hello! I am a homeschooling mom who loves to teach and learn.
I enjoy cooking from scratch, photography, and traveling. For more about me and my lense...
























































































