This 11 minute video by Jonathan Jarvis is one of the best explanations of a difficult to understand subject that I’ve ever seen OR read. You will want to use this in your homeschool! Check out Jonathan’s website for more videos that use modern media to explain complex subjects.
The Crisis of Credit Visualized from Jonathan Jarvis on Vimeo.
My oldest daughter has 5 little ones under 8, hence, little time for starting a home business. Instead, several times per year during our church’s consignment sales they make sweet treats that puts $50 – $100 each each time into their family’s “Fun Fund”.
Along with her 3 oldest daughters, ages 8, 5, and 4, they make fresh baked tollhouse cookies, package 2 cookies in a baggie, and sell them for .25 – .50 cents (depending on size). They put the bags of freshly baked cookies in a pretty cloth lined basket on the checkout table and they sell out fast! It’s a great way for your little ones to learn how much fun entrepreneur-ing can be! Trendy Tip: Rachael suggests selling some sugar-free goodies, because she’s been asked several times if she has any that are sugar-free! Chocolate chip and oatmeal cookies have been her biggest sellers so far.
Take your cookie biz to the next level by making a little 1″ x 3″ card (or use a business card you print on your computer) advertising your cookies custom baked to their occasion. Punch a small hole (use one from your scrapbooking supplies) in the corner and tie it onto each bag of cookies with a pretty ribbon.You will also want to make a nice little sign for your basket of cookies telling the price and why you are doing this. A picture of your little cooks on the sign is a delightful touch!
If they are old enough, you can show them how to figure out how much each package of cookies costs them by writing down all the ingredients and how much you paid for them. It gets a little tricky for them when they have to figure out how many cups in one bag of flour – and if you grind your own from a bucket of grain…well, if you need help, don’t call me!
Some other goodies other than cookies you could make and sell:
Rice Krispy Treats
Homemade Granola
Brownies (M & M’s on top look yummy!)
Caramel Corn
Gorp – mix those raisins and peanuts with melted chocolate chips
Bundt Cake slices
Granola Bars
Haystacks
I’m sure you can think of more ideas by going through your cookbook!
Also, if you have a good relationship with any local shopkeepers, ask them if you can put a basket of your cookies by their checkout. Bribe them with a plate of cookies for them to eat : ). Be sure to put put fresh ones out on a regular basis. Nothing will give your cookie business a bad name than someone getting a stale cookie!
Hurry, deadline is September 30! Think Big TV series is still looking for young inventors between the ages of 8-16 that have achieved some level of success with their invention to cast on their show. It doesn’t need to be a big success, simply recognized by your school or some agency as having some potential. Read all the details here:
http://bkfk.com/Modules/Corporate/castingcall.aspx
Watch a video clip from ‘Think Big’ here from SchoolTube:
Learning to be a good listener does not come naturally. In fact, it’s rather difficult. It is something that can be taught and is a rare trait in today’s ‘what about me’ world. Give your children this valuable life skill that will enhance their relationships, their leadership abilities, and problem solving skills. We’ve all heard that there’s a reason God gave us TWO ears and ONE mouth!
Families that do a good job homeschooling their children through high school are always attentive to covering all the academic bases. They know ahead of time what they will need to get into college even if their emerging adult is saying (now) that they don’t want to go to college, because they know that can change. They also have the foresight to insert the electives that will serve them through out any profession (like typing).
What about some of the social skills that sometimes are picked up in daily life lessons . . . but sometimes not? One of these lessons I believe is easily overlooked is the (lost) Art of Listening. ‘Looking out for #1′ as the prevailing attitude in today’s culture is not a revelation, I know, but has a strong undertow. Genuinely listening to others is a character trait that will not only please God but will most definitely set them apart in the business world. It’s a trait found in every good leader and good marriage.
I confess, I did not teach my kids to be good listeners. That’s not to say that they don’t listen well to others, but as they say. . . hindsight is best sight. There are some simple techniques that you can teach your children now while they are tied up in the chair homeschooling is ideal. They may file this information in the closet for a decade or so, but tidbits like these plant a seed that will sprout at the right time.
So……..HOW do you teach good listening? Here’s eight ground rules to start:
1. Empathize with the speaker. Somtimes people think that playing the devil’s advocate and helping whoever is talking see the other person’s perspective is helpful. Maybe in certain circumstances, but to be a good listener you want to try to completely empathize with who you are listening to and see it from their POV.
2. Listen, don’t think. The key to learning the art of listening is to do only that – listen. Most people are actively thinking about what they are going to say next, or formulating a response. Train yourself to listen and put yourself in their place.
3. Body language is key – Two simple things to remember that go a long, long way to communicating are eye contact and leaning forward just a little. Nodding in agreement and other body gestures are good, too. Learn what ‘mirroring’ is.
4. Fully understand what they are saying. At appropriate moments, ask questions to be sure you understand the situation. If they are not clear on the sequence of events, or if they are using “they” “he”, etc, make sure you know what they are describing. Attempt to re-create the experience they are relating to you in your mind.
5. Give them 100% of your attention. Never answer a cell phone during a ‘listening’. So rude. Even on the phone, you can hear if someone is doing something in the background.
6. Avoid any and all distractions. If you must attend to something like a crying child or the like, then say ‘excuse me for just a moment’ and remember where you were at in the conversation. When you return, remind them where you were in the story.
7. Be silent. This can be the hardest part. Resist the temptation to immediately relate a similar experience of your own, or tell them what YOU would’ve done in their situation. Right now, just completely understand what they are telling you.
8. Share your opinion AFTER you are asked for it. Sometimes people don’t really want an opinion, they just want to someone to listen. When asked for your opinion, check back on what they are asking an opinion on. Sometimes it’s not what you think.
There is much more to learn on the subject, but it’s not rocket science. It’s creating an awareness of a social grace that is often overlooked in today’s “What about me?” world. It’s a rare trait in the competitive business arena, but it’s also vital in talking with your teens or spouse. If we can think of being a good listener as a part of having good manners like remembering to say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’, the world would be a better place. It’s definitely one that I needed a refresher course on!
http://www.dumblittleman.com/2009/09/master-art-of-listening-and-watch-all.html
http://www.wikihow.com/Be-a-Good-Listener
Alice is an innovative 3D piece of educational software that makes it easy to create an animation for telling a story, playing an interactive game, or a video to share on the web. Alice can be used as a teaching tool for introductory computing. Using 3D graphics and a drag-and-drop interface, Alice is a much more engaging and less frustrating first programming experience.
As a teaching tool, it’s a revolutionary approach to teaching and learning introductory programming concepts. The Alice team has developed instructional materials to support students and teachers in using this new approach. Resources include textbooks, lessons, sample syllabuses, test banks, and more. Other authors have generously joined their efforts, creating additional textbooks.
A homeschooler’s dream. And it’s free!
Teaching the "Entrepreneurial Mindset" from a Christian point of view is easy when parents include their children in their business in any way. Integrate this thinking throughout high school and you will equip your children with the skills to create their dreams . . .AND . . .the marketplace will be flooded with a new way of doing business! Think of the possibilities!
So . .where do you start? Right here! Teaching the Entrepreneurial Mindset >>
