Monday, October 15, 2012

Scheduling For Fifth Graders

I get asked quite frequently how we schedule our homeschool, and what we do on a daily basis. This has not always been an easy question. Some years we have had a rotating schedule, some years we worked off and on with a variety of different projects.

Yet, this year finally we have a schedule that seems to be working for each of us. We started this year using block scheduling. Each day we focus on one primary subject. Though we do smaller subjects such as Bible and Latin each day. The key to making a schedule that works for you and your family is to find exactly what you need. Sit down and map out exactly what you want from your schedule. Write down your daily goals and focus your schedule on the best way that will meet those goals.

Sometimes using a planner, or writing out your daily schedule on a white board works to keep everyone focused and headed in the right direction. Whatever your method... be consistent and it will work for you!

Monday, October 1, 2012

Fifth Grade Math

Math... ahh... it elicits either very positive expressions or very negative expressions. Either way - many people view this subject as the curse of all education. Yet, I love it! It is definitely one of my very favorite subjects.

Math is an essential core subject, and it is integral to all other parts of education. Mathematics enables students to develop abstract concepts, logic, and critical thinking skills. Mathematics gives students the ability to use logic to reason through complex situations and problems.

Yet, with all of this we can't get around the fact that many people still really hate math. Whenever, I teach math I never present it in a difficult light. I always try to find the easiest way to go about teaching the concepts, by using math games for example, and I always try to put it into their language. In fact, the best way to get their interest and keep it positive is to present math problems as a puzzle! If they look at it in that light - it is no longer negative but positive and fun!