Blue Thistle Books Back to Homeschool Giveaway!

Blue Thistle Books is having a big giveaway.... and a huge Back to Homeschool Sale throughout the month of August!

So which do you want to hear about first? Let me guess....I bet the giveaway huh?

In light of our huge Back to Homeschool Sale, and the simple fact that I am protesting the nearing inevitable end of summer, I have decided to have some fun by having a giveaway and well... because I'm a copycat. Sorry, it's not a flat screen TV from Best Buy, like at fiveminutesformom.com, but nontheless it is still pretty exciting.

We are giving away a brand spankin' new Cuisinart Pure Indulgence 2 QT Frozen Yogurt, Ice Cream & Sorbet Maker!

Why an ice cream maker you ask? Well doesn't everyone associate ice cream with going back to school?

Actually, it's just because I love ice cream a whole lot and I'm not anywhere near ready to think about school yet.

Can I hear an Amen!


Ain't she purdy?

Valued at $79.95 the Cuisinart Pure Indulgence makes two quarts of luscious homemade ice cream, sorbet, frozen yogurt or drinks in as little as 25 minutes! It's easy. An integrated motor, double-insulated freezer bowl and automatic mixing paddle do all the work. Results are consistently smooth, cleanup is easy and the brushed stainless styling is simply sensational. Can I hear a bigger Amen!

Features:
2 qt. capacity
Brushed stainless steel housing with embossed logo
Fully automatic; add ingredients and turn machine on
Makes all of your favorite frozen desserts or drinks in as little as 25 minutes
Large spout to add all of your favorite mix-ins
Removable mixing paddle and freezer bowl for easy cleanup
Instruction/Recipe Book included

Sound good so far? Ok then, here's how you can win....

1. Anyone that blogs about Blue Thistle Books giveaway and sale, and links to this post, (or my post at Homeschoolblogger) between now and August 31st, will be entered in a random drawing to win the Cuisinart Pure Indulgence 2 QT Frozen Yogurt, Ice Cream & Sorbet Maker! You can copy and save the giveaway button at the top of the page and use in your post if you so desire. You can also enter more than once by leaving a comment each time you mention Blue Thistle Books giveaway and sale. In other words, the more you mention us, the more chances you have to win!

2. You can also enter into the drawing by making any purchase at Blue Thistle Books between now and August 31st. But remember, you must type in GIVEAWAY in our comment section during checkout to be entered.

Now on to the sale....This week almost every publisher from A - F is on sale with additional discounts off our already reduced prices. In addition we have optional Media Mail shipping and the ability to pay using your PayPal account. This is the only time of year our prices are reduced this much so don't miss it! And next week publisher's G-L will be on sale. Don't forget, any order over $80.00 will receive FREE Media Mail shipping by entering code FREESHIP during checkout!

Is this too cool or what?

Homeschool Reading

The Child's Homer
by Padric Colum

Travel back to a mythical time when Achilles, aided by the gods, waged war against the Trojans. And join Odysseus on his journey through murky waters, facing obstacles like the terrifying Scylla and whirring Charybdis, the beautiful enchantress Circe, and the land of the raging Cyclôpes. Using narrative threads from The Iliad and The Odyssey, Padraic Colum weaves a stunning adventure with all the drama and power that Homer intended. Softcover · 247 pgs. · Ages 9-12. More about The Children’s Homer.

Great Story Starters for Homeschool Students!

Why does a story starter work so well? Each story suspends the student in the middle of a predicament. He is then faced with the question, “What happens next?” This is his cue to expand and embellish the story however he wants. He learns to write freely, with imagination and zest - and with far more boldness than he may be accustomed to.

These action-packed stories by Karen Andreola are especially appealing to boys. Thumb through the pages to choose whatever story catches your fancy. This large selection is meant to satisfy the varied interests of both boys and girls.

To spark even more curiosity, each story is illustrated with one or more engaging 19th century pictures. The settings are sometimes intense, sometimes funny, sometimes sweetly domestic, but always pose a challenge. Here is your child's opportunity to rescue those in danger, comfort the sick, cheer the lonely, laugh with the ridiculous, tame the wild, and do battle for good.

Awaken the dormant writer in your child with this lively approach to creative writing!

Story Starters:

• One book per family
  
• Non-consumable
  
• Lavishly illustrated
  
• Multi-skill level (grade 4-12)
  
• Supplementary English course

Story Starters is designed to:

• Replace dry, dull writing with exciting writing
  
• Invoke sympathy for characters and encourage writing with feeling
  
• Expand a child's literary powers with the practice of narration
  
• Develop a child's imagination with the embellishment of story plots
  
• Stimulate reasoning powers with opportunity for problem-solving
  
• Reawaken an interest in language arts
  
• Uphold biblical virtues

See more about Story Starters.

Summer Homeschool Art Contest!

Art Contest! We are still accepting entries for the art contest, for children ages 7-14, This contest will run through August 31st to allow time for your children to submit their artwork.

Any media will be accepted, however, if using oil or regular pastels, please scan and send your file as a .jpeg to prevent damage to the art work and my scanner!

Rules: Please have your children draw or paint any subject they would like. The artwork must be submitted on 8 1/2 X 11 paper, of any type. Please send in a large envelope to prevent damage from bending. The submitted entries will not be returned, so if you want them back, please enclose return postage.

Please fill out and sign this form to send with your child's artwork. This gives me permission for your child's information to be posted on our web site. We will only be using the child's first name, initial of their last name, their age and the state they reside in.

The winner will receive a $50.00 gift certificate and their art will be showcased on our front page throughout the month of October!

The Decision to Homeschool

From Daily Herald    

When they wake up at 5:45 a.m., it's school time. They're learning even when they're helping with the family business. In most cases, getting a home school education doesn't end when summer begins.  Read full article...