Paperless Planning: Part 1

A few weeks ago, I shared a Reel on Instagram of my planning process. After I posted it, I realized that I completely left one planner out. I didn't include my school planner and how I use it with my other planners. Then, I realized that I was making it much more difficult than necessary. I knew there had to be a way to make planning simpler. It used to be something I enjoyed, but it became a chore. 

Here's that reel. 

Here is the stack of things I had to have to accomplish anything. Ri-dic-u-lous, I know (does yours look similar?)

Now, I have found a simpler, more productive system. The setup takes time, but it does save time in the long run- and yes, you can still check of completed items. There is something so satisfying about that. Now, all I need is my phone in a pinch. My entire system consists of my laptop, Kindle Fire (just as a larger screen if I don't have my laptop), phone, and a notebook and pen. I do still need a notebook because I do still have to do a physical brainstorming session occasionally and I like to take notes on paper if doing research. However, you could even get rid of the notebook.

With this stack (plus my phone), I can accomplish anything. I can work, plan, school, and accomplish family tasks. I can even share anything with anyone. 

You might be wondering what wonderful program I used to do this with and how much it costs a month. Well, I used free Google tools. The only thing I pay for is $1.99 a month for extra storage since I store work documents and school documents in the cloud. However, I was paying that anyway. 

I'm actually saving more. I don't have to buy an expensive school planner each year, a lot of money on a personal planner that actually works. I also no longer have to buy extra paper, fancy pens (yes, that is a need with a planner), and other planner supplies. I also no longer have to stress trying to figure out which system will work. I can make my Google tools do what I want them to. 

I am going to walk you through how I did this. However, to make it easier to process, because the setup does take time, I will break it into a few shorter posts. They will all be published at the same time so you can read them at once if you want. 

Here are some other benefits to going with a digital planning system. 

1. Once the setup is complete, most things can be made automatic (no more copying recurring tasks)
2. Google products are available everywhere and on any device
3. If you have a Gmail account, you already have the tools available to you- no account set up
4. It is easy to edit digital items without having to start fresh or scratch through when something is written on the wrong day (I had all my birthdays a month ahead this year in my paper planner and it was a mess!)
5. It is easy to share with family and co-workers. 
6. Scheduling is easier because you can easily see availability. 
7. No more paper clutter and trash from planning

Some people have suggested one change at a time, but that doesn't work for me. I have to jump in with both feet first, and it is working. 

Since getting this system in place, I have less stress trying to figure out what I have to do and keep up with everything. I am also much more productive. I'm getting my work done with plenty of time before deadlines and I even have finished planning the school year for 2024-2025. 

I'm rocking it! 

What I'm using and how I'm using them. (just click on the link below to see the post)

1. How and why I got started (you are here)
2. Google Calendar 
3. Google Tasks
4. Google Keep
5. Google Docs

Whether you jump right in or take it slow, I do hope you give my ideas a try. The best part if you can make it work for you. 

Book Review: But God Can: How to Stop Striving and Live Purposefully and Abundantly

Disclaimer: I received this book to review. All opinions are my own. 

I'm so glad that I was selected to review this book. But God Can, by Becky Kiser, seems to be exactly what I need right now. 

Becky talks to us like the girlfriend who tells us exactly how it is and pushes us to be the person we are meant to be.  I love that she also gives scripture and biblical advice to help you along the journey, as well as some hugs and pauses along the way. 

My favorite line in the book is actually at the beginning, in the introductory letter from Ms. Kiser. 

But don't give yourself too much grace! Don't redefine grace to mean you get away with everything. Instead, know that grace is what Jesus gives you when you return to Him. And grace is what we extend to ourselves when we realize we're off track and ready to return to what is best.

The questions along the way that make you stop and reflect are real help. Instead of just reading through, there is interaction.  

Buy here: https://bit.ly/ButGodCanFG

Win a copy here: https://blessedfreebies.com/but-god-can-give-away

@beckykiser FB @beckykiserllc #butGodcan #BeckyKiser

10 Wonderful Podcasts for Homeschool Families

 Our home is very techy. Laptops, desktops, tablets, kindles, game systems, and let's not forget our phones. While we value time off of the screens, we know that using technology in the kids' education is essential, especially in the 7th and 4th grades. The future is full of technology. 

I love finding new ways to incorporate tech into our lessons and teaching them about different aspects and usefulness of technology and apps. We listen to a podcast each morning during our "morning meeting," and sometimes at other times throughout the day. We use Google Podcasts because we have Android devices. However, you can choose which platform you prefer. Most podcasts are on all of the major outlets.

Here are 10 podcasts I have found that are wonderful for homeschool families. 

1. KidNuz is a weekday news show that discusses interesting news from around the world. It is always good stuff with an upbeat dialog. There is even a quiz at the end. 
2. Creation Answers is no longer updated, but there are some wonderful episodes.
3. The Middle School Mind is a podcast from a young teen with his dad discussing the things that middle schoolers face. It is also no longer published but has great episodes.
4. Brains on Universe. These are a group of podcasts for kids with very interesting topics.
5. Storynory has free audio stories for kids
6. Tumble Science Podcast
7. BunnAmigos is a great podcast on culture
8. Book Club For Kids
9. God's Big Story
10. Real Cool History For Kids

FREE Resource For Struggling Readers: Amazon Classics

For about a year, I have used Amazon Classics for my daughter, who is a struggling reader. It is an absolute game-changer. 

What is so great about these? There is a read-aloud option for free. The child can listen to the audio version while following along with the text. Wonderful for readers who want to read a but, but struggle through it. Snapper has really enjoyed Little Women and her reading skills have dramatically improved. 

There isn't even anything special you have to do after downloading it- the child just selects the listen option.

As long as you have Amazon Prime, many (many many many) of these classics are free to read and listen to.

I can't think of a better use of my Prime membership.

These books can easily be found by searching "Amazon classics edition free Kindle books"

10 Ways to Use Advent Calendars All Year

 We love advent calendars in our house and with the addition of the Thames & Kosmos Science Advent Calendar, I thought I'd share some ways we've used them and some ideas for them. 

1. Countdown to the last day of school

2. Countdown to birthdays

3. Waiting for vacation

4. Counting down to the first day of school

5. Random "just because" surprises

6. Rewards for goals. We used one for getting the kids to clean up their rooms each day. I had gotten a couple on sale after Christmas and if they cleaned their room, they got to choose a window. 

7. Rainy day activities

8. Boredom busters

9. Bring them out when friends are over and let each choose a window/ box

10. Advent calendars are also great to keep on hand to throw a "day" in a bag for a car trip, appointment, or restaurant. 

The key is keeping them for a special event or reward. 

What would you use an advent calendar for? 

Thames & Kosmos: Science for Fun and School

Disclaimer: I received products to review. All opinions are my own. 

In our house, science is something we are passionate about. We have random science discussions, watch videos, find experiments, and even discuss how science relates to the Bible. This is something I got from my dad. My dad loved science and passed that on to me and encouraged it with his grandkids. 

Tbomb (13 now) wants to be an archaeologist/ paleontologist who is a game developer in his spare time. Snapper (10 now) wants to be a marine biologist/ surfer who travels the world to teach people about misunderstood animals (like pangolins and sharks) and invent things in her spare time. Looks like science is their future. 

I've bought Thames & Kosmos products since my kids were small. We got the awesome opportunity to explore a dig kit and advent calendar from their product line and we dug right in. 

Science Advent Calendar

We love advent calendars (stay tuned for new ways to use them) in our house, so this is a win-win. There are 24 experiments in 24 different boxes. This is by far my favorite advent calendar and we've had many. 

It looks incredibly cool too! 

Each box has the goal of the experiment, directions, and an explanation printed on the box. The materials needed are inside the box as well. You may need some household materials like a blow dryer, vinegar, and baking soda. Just be sure to keep all the provided items in the boxes until it is finished- you may need something for another experiment. 

We did 3 experiments the first day and they didn't want to stop. They are quick experiments too, which is nice, and love that they are a complete science lesson and the start of so many rabbit trails. 

Purchase here

I Dig It! Fossils

We also love dig kits around here. The kids always get a new one to take camping and get some throughout the year. This is the first Thames & Kosmos one we've had and I could not be more impressed. The tools that come with them are actually quality tools that can be used over and over. I love that the plaster is contained within a dish. (here's a tip for dig kits- keep cafeteria trays on hand for messy science projects.).

The instructions and tips are phenomenal. There are even directions for creating a display box for your finds. Each kit comes with 5 real fossils - Fenestella, Atrypa Shell, Fossilized Resin, Ammonite, and Stony Coral. The booklet includes information on the fossils as well as a section about what fossils are. I love the tips included in the booklet on how to dig like a real archaeologist. 

Such a wonderful kit and I cannot wait to explore the other kits offered by Thames & Kosmos. 

Purchase here

Thames & Kosmos

Thames & Kosmos is my go-to when looking for science supplements for school and for gifts. 

No matter a child's interest, you can find a fun option for them. 

Thames & Kosmos was founded in 2001 when a Rhode Island science museum director and her son partnered with a 200-year old German publishing house to help fulfill the great need for science education materials that were more stimulating, effective, relevant – and of course, fun!

For the past 22 years, we have dedicated ourselves to that mission, publishing and distributing toys and games that are both engaging and educational. We believe that authentic learning experiences combined with hands-on exploration are a powerful way to captivate curious young minds, and to keep them hungry for knowledge as they continue their journey into adulthood. Whether it’s building a robot, playing a board game, or performing a magic trick, we strive for our products empower kids to take risks, experiment, innovate, cooperate, problem-solve, and embrace the process of trial-and-error.