In this space age world of technology that we live in, interesting things sometimes happen.

I was recently contacted by Ms. Mary Bonwell, who creates organizational software for homeschooling families. The name of her company? Homeschool Solutions!

Let me first say how gracious Ms. Bonwell was when we spoke. How wonderful that homeschoolers have such a tight sense of community!

I've downloaded a free trial of her software to explore for the next 30 days, and will share a review of the product within the next month.

In the meantime, you might want to download a trial of Homeschool Solutions Software for free yourself. If you like it, the good news is that the Bonwells are offering a "recession buster" special by discounting their software at half-price. The software enables you to record, manage and print every kind of record you could ever need for your homeschool. Those of you with highschoolers will love that the program automatically averages grades and creates transcripts. Do let me know your opinion of it if you try it out.

I've also added a permanent link to the Homeschool Solutions Software site under the "Sites I Like" tab to the right.

Happy Home Schooling,
Mrs. Sherry

I'm excited to announce that I've just signed on with the national on-line news service, examiner.com, as the Des Moines Homeschooling Examiner. While I'll be reporting primarily on homeschool happenings in Des Moines and central Iowa, I'll also post general features that will appeal to moms everywhere who want to be invested in their kids' lives.

I only get paid when you click, so please visit my new site often! Of course, I'd so appreciate you sharing my new pages with all your mom friends, too. Just click here to view my first posts: Des Moines Homes School Examiner. Check back often, as I'll be adding new content several times a week; you can subscribe to my page through an email link on my home page.

If you have a story idea for me, or are interested in becoming an Examiner yourself, there are links on the home page that give you details about contacting me.

Thanks in advance for checking it out!

Happy Homeschooling,
Mrs. Sherry

I've created a reading response journal to accompany the second grade A Beka reader, Growing Up Where Jesus Lived.

To use the journal, the student should read a chapter in the book, then draw a picture and answer the question on the corresponding page in the journal. For my own son, I also copied the Directory of Bible stories from the back of the A Beka reader and added it to his journal; he colors in a Bible icon each time he completes the Bible reading activity. It should take about a month to complete the book and activities.

If you'd like a PDF copy of the journal, I'd be happy to share. Just email your request to info@sherryfiscella.com and I'll send it your way. You can find the reader mentioned at www.abeka.com.

Happy Home Schooling,
Mrs. Sherry

My children and I enjoyed completing a literary unit on the Flat Stanley book series by Jeff Brown this year. We loved seeing The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley at the Des Moines Civic Center, and recently sent our own Flat Stanleys on adventures to sunny California and Florida via the USPS...the only way to travel if you're flat!

I designed a Flat Stanley journal and letter to accompany our Flat Stanleys on their travels. If you'd like a free copy of the PDF file, just ask, and I'd be glad to share it with you. You may contact me through email at info@sherryfiscella.com.

Happy Home Schooling!
Mrs. Sherry

As the school year comes to a close and spring fever strikes, your family may need to take a break from the books. Earth Day, on April 22, is the perfect excuse to enjoy some sunshine. Below are five fun ways to celebrate God's creation on Earth Day in Des Moines.



1. Escape to a tropical destination right here in the heartland and visit the Des Moines Botanical Center. They're offering FREE ADMISSION on Earth Day!

2. Visit the Great Ape Trust of Iowa and get a rare view of how apes are trained, observed and protected in this premier facility.

3. Even on a rainy day, you can enjoy the indoor exhibits at the Blank Park Zoo. While you're there, be sure to ask a zoologist about how they recycle animal waste at the zoo. You'll be surprised!

4. Stop at Gray's Lake at 11:00 AM for a free lesson in bird watching from the Des Moines Parks and Rec Department. Remember to enjoy a picnic lunch packed in a reusable container while you're there!

5. Take your used pop cans to a local recycling center to redeem them for a nickel a piece. Decide as a family how you could use the money to help the environment. Blank Park Zoo has a fun place to make a donation with your coins just inside their lobby.
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"The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it." Genesis 2:15

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Happy Home Schooling,
Mrs. Sherry