tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51277491055062982812024-03-19T01:46:32.250-07:00Fifth Grade Homeschool CurriculumUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger63125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5127749105506298281.post-63312517499380410372017-12-20T08:07:00.003-08:002017-12-20T08:07:39.932-08:00Seasons FourI just read a funny article about homeschool curriculum called <a href="http://fifthgradeconlineurriculum.com/spring-or-fall/">Spring or Fall.</a><br />
<br />
The article discussed the seasons and then taked about the Suess story about Oobleck, the king who wanted a fifth season. He worked with his court magicians and of course, because of his foolish pride and hubris and his attempt to fool with Mother Nature, disaster ensued. Only in the depths of crisis and remorse does he understand the tragedy and say the magic words: "I'm sorry". Which fixes the situation. <br />
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In terms of literacy, this article raises the question about the authenticity of the Suess books which are both great stories about also rhyming with simple vocabulary. And I quote:<br />
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<i>Anybody remember the story of the king who wanted a fifth season with something more than sun, leaves, snow, and rain? It was a Dr Suess book with Oobleck, the foolish king wanted something new to fall from the sky. So he had his magicians conjure up oobleck which of course turned out to be a terrible disaster.</i></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.retroedtech.com/2017/08/record-players-and-victrolas.html"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrlfTRpyxEFbRKfgY8TDkOK6EpUpqJ9DUEAz84h2w9hrk9Yuq6hYYK5QtLMKMH9nT6DeezGc7w2tZtBd0FSJTuh_iub1RjD5v70tnkpSeD6Xlwmhbok4Myem9bm7hgSXScQAe82Yss-3w/s1600/recordplayer+copy.jpg" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.retroedtech.com/2017/08/record-players-and-victrolas.html">Record player</a>s for classrooms</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<i>I have long wondered where in the history of teaching reading and literacy, the Suess books belong. Are they consider decodable readers with no intrinsic value? Are they “authentic” literature which pulls students towards literacy?</i></div>
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As part of this bing of question asking, I'll ask this question about Todays Learners. Are they getting the education that they need to succeed. lLets focus for a sec on <a href="http://www.todays-learners.com/fourth-grade-spelling/">4th and 5th grade:</a></div>
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<i>Studying words, if done as part of an overall approach to meaningful education, provides a useful time-proven approach. Avoid trivia, use lists as a way to identify themes and patterns, not for trivia and memorization. Here is an ideas, us ethe <a href="https://www.spellingcity.com/2nd-grade-spelling-words.html" style="border: 0px; color: #0fbe7c; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> 4th grade spelling and vocabulary words lists</a> on SpellingCity.</i></div>
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<i>There are in fact all sorts of lists to help with fourth grade study.</i></div>
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<ul style="border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: square; margin: 0px 0px 30px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 35px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://www.spellingcity.com/fourth-grade-math-vocabulary.html" style="border: 0px; color: #0fbe7c; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><i>4th grade math vocabulary</i></a></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><i><a href="https://www.spellingcity.com/fourth-grade-science-vocabulary.html" style="border: 0px; color: #0fbe7c; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">4th grade science vocabulary</a> such as matter, motion, and scientific inquiry</i></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://www.spellingcity.com/fourth-grade-social-studies-vocabulary.html" style="border: 0px; color: #0fbe7c; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><i>4th grade social studies and geography vocabulary</i></a></li>
<li></li>
</ul>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5127749105506298281.post-45435418894169369112017-11-28T10:57:00.002-08:002017-11-28T10:57:41.952-08:00Fifth Grade LearningFifth grade marks the end of the primary phase. By now, the kids should be deep into chapter books and hopefully have read Narnia, Potter, Wrinkle in Time, and whatever the hot series of books are now.<br />
<br />
As homeschoolers, I hope you have read some books that feature families such as us. The best <a href="http://www.homeschoolliterature.com/">directory of Homeschool Literature</a> is this site. For an authentic exercise, you can have your students write review of these books and send them in to get published on the site.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.homeschoolliterature.com/about" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="191" data-original-width="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMVOYNke7k1uCQ0Xt_xBGaWsjbhgmqcuGPMFB35DsmktJQ3txmM2N4Rio1Lz7-EdlnjccFLJc2-pKoHD76C-iAjQCeuZJ6hS4akSdPzmOA098n0S5ao57sgf2yC6fHL0KQb6wME720Ry0/s1600/HomeSchoolLiterature.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.homeschoolliterature.com/about">Best Directory of Homeschool Literature</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Beyond reading, students should be pretty strong at the <a href="http://www.writingcity.com/">basics of writing skills using Writers Workshop</a>. And I quote:<br />
<h3>
Want Strong Writing and Grammar Results?</h3>
<ul>
<li>K-5 schools using WriteSteps have seen a dramatic <strong>increase in standardized test scores</strong>.</li>
<li>Our lessons are proven with a variety of <strong>teaching styles, learning styles, and socio-economic levels</strong>.</li>
<li>The curriculum teaches <strong>100% of the writing and grammar Common Cores</strong>, and other state standards, with writing instruction that spirals across all grade levels.</li>
<li>Practice makes perfect. Students build critical writing skills from instructional <strong>modeling</strong> and <strong>daily writing practice</strong>.</li>
</ul>
Congratulations on finishing a big phase.... Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5127749105506298281.post-46305754938984088262017-08-30T12:56:00.002-07:002017-10-10T01:06:57.471-07:00Natural Homeschool LearningI'm a fan of E D Hirsch and his concept that we should all master the words and info of our basic culture. Without the basic information, we are culturally and effectively illiterate.<br />
<br />
While teaching many concepts and ideas requires a great deal of time, a different question is giving the kids the practice that they need at each grade level to maintain their mastery of these concepts and vocabulary.<br />
<br />
While som people don't respect word games and lists, I think they are a useful step for getting much of the info from short term into long term memory.<br />
<br />
here's lists that work great for reinforcing key concepts and vocabulary including math, science, and social studies by grade level <br />
<a href="https://www.spellingcity.com/1st-grade-spelling-words.html"> 1st Grade Spelling Word Lists</a><br />
<a href="https://www.spellingcity.com/2nd-grade-spelling-words.html">2nd Grade Reading Word Lists</a><br />
<a href="https://www.spellingcity.com/3rd-grade-spelling-words.html">3rd Grade Spelling Word Lists</a><br />
<a href="https://www.spellingcity.com/4th-grade-spelling-words.html"> 4th Grade Spelling Word Lists</a><br />
<a href="https://www.spellingcity.com/5th-grade-spelling-words.html">5th Grade Spelling Word Lists </a><br />
<br />
I like the idea that there are multiple meaning words, sound alike words, and other confusing words at each grade level. Examples are on these pages.<br />
<br />
<div class="col-xs-12 col-sm-8 col-lg-10">
There areHomonyms, Homophones, Homographs, Heteronyms, and Capitonyms, confused yet?:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.spellingcity.com/multiple-meaning-words.html">Homonyms</a>,
or multiple-meaning words, are words that have different meanings (e.g. dog bark, tree
bark).</li>
<li><a href="http://www.spellingcity.com/homophones.html">Homophones</a>,
or sound-alikes, are two or more words that have the same pronunciation
but different meanings, and may or may not be spelled on the same way
(e.g. write/right, their/there/they’re). There are hundreds of tehse for each grade level.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.spellingcity.com/heteronyms.html">Homographs</a>
are words that have the same spelling, but have different meanings and
may be pronounced differently (like heteronyms) or the same (like
homonyms).</li>
<li><a href="http://www.spellingcity.com/heteronyms.html">Heteronyms</a>,
or heterophones, are words that that have the same spelling but have
different pronunciations (e.g. bow and arrow vs. take a bow). That is,
they are homographs which are not homophones. </li>
</ul>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5127749105506298281.post-26286359333841566522015-02-02T10:22:00.000-08:002015-02-02T10:22:00.438-08:00Happy Valentine's Day!
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Growing up as a kid myself, February was one of my favorite
months. I just loved buying those boxed Valentines; giving and receiving them
from other kids at school.</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3BpHRtYfsvvH9CJafsUmFWPyLTvRduLLVPp12BITzzq9S79pZvTQmjsbVvSoecSIBBYSUF5y_eGhuB64FHn-dEHc-95nYbzKW8toYnkc0c9G9-YVLvljiU1cfQNpK5xq5jZpUon2XgIs/s1600/valentines-day-kidsexchange.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3BpHRtYfsvvH9CJafsUmFWPyLTvRduLLVPp12BITzzq9S79pZvTQmjsbVvSoecSIBBYSUF5y_eGhuB64FHn-dEHc-95nYbzKW8toYnkc0c9G9-YVLvljiU1cfQNpK5xq5jZpUon2XgIs/s1600/valentines-day-kidsexchange.png" height="160" width="200" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When I first started homeschooling my own child, I will admit, I
was sad thinking my children would never get to experience this tradition.
Thankfully, those were normal “<a href="http://www.time4learning.com/homeschool/welcome.htm">new to homeschooling</a>” concerns that would soon be just a
distant memory. In past years, my kids have had fun times exchanging Valentines
with family members, play groups, and co-op friends. The one thing different
for my kids, however, is that we like to make our own Valentines. To be honest,
we add lots of Valentine fun into our homeschooling, the week before the 14<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>.
This year will be no different. Besides creating our own hand made Valentines and using a <a href="http://growing%20up%20as%20a%20kid%20myself,%20february%20was%20one%20of%20my%20favorite%20months.%20i%20just%20loved%20buying%20those%20boxed%20valentines;%20giving%20and%20receiving%20them%20from%20other%20kids%20at%20school.%20when%20i%20first%20started%20homeschooling,%20i%20will%20admit,%20i%20was%20sad%20thinking%20my%20children%20would%20never%20get%20to%20experience%20this%20tradition.%20thankfully,%20those%20were%20normal%20%e2%80%9cnewbie%e2%80%9d%20concerns%20that%20would%20soon%20be%20just%20a%20distant%20memory.%20over%20the%20years,%20my%20kids%20have%20had%20fun%20times%20exchanging%20valentines%20with%20family%20members,%20play%20groups,%20and%20co-op%20friends.%20the%20one%20thing%20different%20for%20my%20kids,%20however,%20is%20that%20we%20like%20to%20make%20our%20own%20valentines.%20to%20be%20honest,%20we%20add%20lots%20of%20fun%20valentine%20fun%20into%20our%20schooling%20the%20week%20before%20the%2014th.%20besides%20letting%20kids%20creating%20their%20own%20hand%20made%20valentines,%20we%20do%20valentine%20worksheets,%20valentine%20spelling%20words,%20and%20play%20valentine%20games.%20/">5th grade Valentine spelling list</a> that I found, as part of our Spelling lessons, I also plan on printing some fun Valentine worksheets :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <em><strong>I hope everyone has a</strong></em></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img class="mainImage" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJIzeyBk2zH_4XMYRByyHNj5u1ZbhVsFig74ure6HlPutkWo00BYyvh5ungY7SYc-CudklnpkqXKWUqQsF81EAg4zS3DGS6OPWPV15RWiK-KaUVg2pmq4xAZgCTrWpgzUdGywFBdrlHa4/s1600/valentine+day+heart+for+love.gif" style="background-color: white; height: 337px; width: 327px;" /></a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5127749105506298281.post-59418047724786608672015-01-01T11:06:00.000-08:002015-01-01T11:06:00.179-08:00Wow! 2015 Already?! I hope everyone had a Fun & Safe
New Year’s Eve. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
My New Year’s Eve was Great! I had such a blast last night with family and
friends. It was just a small gathering at my home, but we all enjoyed
ourselves. For me, no matter how old I get, my favorite part is always watching
the ball drop :)<o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img class="mainImage" src="http://photos.wikimapia.org/p/00/02/04/70/16_big.jpg" style="background-color: white; height: 306px; width: 530px;" /></a></div>
Another thing that I love about a new year is the feeling of a new start. A
time for change; get rid of what isn’t working and make new resolutions. We do
this every Jan1st. Everyone in the family, no matter how old or young (as long
as they can talk, lol ), sits down and shares what their New Year’s Resolutions
will be. We don’t always keep them, but it is fun to try. One of my homeschool
resolutions, that I am defiantly going to keep, is to try <a href="http://www.time4learning.com/homeschool/lapbooking.shtml">lapbooking</a>. I have
always wanted to do it, but never have. My daughter's resolution, is to get me to take here to New York next New Year's Eve, to see the ball drop in person.We will see ;)<br />
<br />
<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5127749105506298281.post-4447671088128629032014-12-15T11:00:00.000-08:002014-12-15T11:00:00.964-08:005th Grade Math<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Is it just me or has Christmas time come fast this year? Seems like the new school year just started and now we are already half through it. Speaking of schooling, I am sure by now, you
have realized that <a href="http://www.learninggamesforkids.com/5th-grade-math.html" target="_blank">5</a><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.learninggamesforkids.com/5th-grade-math.html" target="_blank"><sup>th</sup> grade math</a>, is much harder than 4<sup>th</sup>
grade math. The good news is, thankfully, there are tons of printable math
worksheets, how-to videos, and math games that can help you teach and help your
child learn. One of our favorite resources is a free game called “</span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><a href="http://www.learninggamesforkids.com/math_games/5th-grade-math/algebraic-terms-5th/matchit-algebraic-terms-5th.html" target="_blank">MatchItAlgebraic Terms</a>”. <span style="font-family: Calibri;">It really helped my daughter learn those terms! ;)</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><i> <b> I hope everyone has a Happy Holiday & a Happy New Year!</b></i></span><o:p></o:p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5127749105506298281.post-29481948675791727582014-11-03T10:30:00.000-08:002014-11-03T10:30:02.904-08:00Happy Thanksgiving!<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I don’t think I mentioned it yet, but fall is definitely one
of my favorite seasons. I love feeling the weather cool down and seeing all of
those leaves start to change. Plus, I love Thanksgiving! </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Since, my kids were little I have always managed to incorporate
this holiday into our homeschool lessons, even in Pre-K.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As always, we read about the first
Thanksgiving and I always print out some themed <a href="http://www.time4learning.com/printable-worksheets.shtml" target="_blank">printable worksheets</a> for my child
to do. However, my favorite part of this time of year is teaching my daughter
home-ec. The older she gets the more she gets to help and learn. I mean what
better day than Thanksgiving, to teach your child how to cook. I think
learning how to cook is an important skill for your child to learn. Plus, one
day you will be older and they will be the ones making that yummy Thanksgiving feast.
You will want them to be able to make it taste good ;)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-la8nH9MvzOjo-dGUm0Yz6XT41G-_RbHPj7WhB2slowXwudU9VkfXBVCnIL7eUhgrOVvCmJbxuQQwJN2itL-qcx9vYKOVDgH8wuDjH-r3PMYoXfjCY_g6obDueM7ZW9bbWOUN-pstegI/s1600/happy-thanksgiving-15183-1920x1080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-la8nH9MvzOjo-dGUm0Yz6XT41G-_RbHPj7WhB2slowXwudU9VkfXBVCnIL7eUhgrOVvCmJbxuQQwJN2itL-qcx9vYKOVDgH8wuDjH-r3PMYoXfjCY_g6obDueM7ZW9bbWOUN-pstegI/s1600/happy-thanksgiving-15183-1920x1080.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5127749105506298281.post-51176357572714702622014-10-06T10:00:00.000-07:002014-10-06T10:00:02.176-07:00Halloween ideas to add to your Homeschool lessons<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img class="mainImage" src="http://focuspocusnow.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/skeletal-system.jpg" style="background-color: white; height: 407px; width: 271px;" /></a></div>
<br />
Halloween is a time for spooky things and lots of candy! So, why
not mix those two things into your homeschool lessons. How? I always like to
use this month to learn about the human anatomy. The skeletal system is my
favorite for obvious reasons. Each year, I go a bit more advanced, in the
different bones and the proper names. Of course, you can be creative with what
you add to this. You can do some themed crafts, <a href="http://www.learninggamesforkids.com/health_games_body_parts.html" target="_blank">anatomy games</a>, etc.<br />
<br />
Another thing, which you can do for October, is learning how to make candy.
It is not only educational & fun, but yummy too! There are so many recipes
available to you on the internet and even some that may be too scary
looking to eat!<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5127749105506298281.post-36276095077100256692014-09-04T11:00:00.000-07:002014-09-04T11:00:03.369-07:00Teaching Typing<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img class="mainImage" src="http://www.talkingfingers.com/educational-reading-software/wp-content/uploads/kids_typing.jpg" style="background-color: white; height: 166px; width: 250px;" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Since we are living in the age of computers, I think
learning the skill of typing is important. Besides the need to be able to type
for school/college, one day when your kids grow up and are in the work place,
they may need to type for their job. Now, I know most of us can do the “one
finger peck”((LOL)), but in most jobs, that will not be sufficient enough to finish a
typing project in a reasonable amount of time. Learning the proper way to type,
will definitely help to be able to increase ones speed, and reduce any typing
errors. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, you may be wondering, how do
you teach this?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Besides showing your
children how to type, or creating paragraphs for them to practice with, there
are some awesome free resources that can help. There are free <a href="http://www.learninggamesforkids.com/keyboarding_games/keyboarding_games_typing_speed_test.html" target="_blank">typing speed test</a> that will time your child, while keeping track of their errors, as well as some free <a href="http://www.vocabulary.co.il/typing-games/typing-adventure-level-1/" target="_blank">typing games</a> that they can do. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This really is a great age to start teaching your kids this
valuable skill. Even if they never use it in their professional career, it will certainly serve a purpose when they are writing essays for school/college, or
blogs for fun! ;)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5127749105506298281.post-52363340259421006512014-08-01T09:24:00.000-07:002014-08-01T09:24:00.292-07:00Back to HomeSchool Time Again!<br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img class="mainImage" src="http://www.firehow.com/images/stories/user/147/back%20to%20homeschool.jpg" style="background-color: white; height: 303px; width: 600px;" /></a>Whether you are <a href="http://www.time4learning.com/homeschool/welcome.htm" target="_blank">new to homeschooling</a> or not, this is the time of year when
all of us are busy getting ready for the "official" new school year
that is about to begin.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Even though, I consider myself a year-round homeschooler,
I still have, to prepare as well. While others may be shopping for new curriculum
to purchase, I too am going over what we use in our schooling, making any
adjustments if needed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We love our core curriculum that we use, and luckily
have not found a reason to change it in years, but that doesn’t mean I don’t
still love to browse the internet for anything new I can add to it. There are
just so many free printables on the internet. Plus, I just love a good unit
study! I also consider this time of year my “Spring Cleaning” for everything
homeschool related. I go through everything, my book case, storage compartments,
etc. I clean out anything I do not need, file last year’s work, and make
a shopping list of what schooling supplies I will need for the following year. I do all my shopping for my supplies during this time of year for the savings. I just love our <a href="http://www.taxadmin.org/fta/rate/sales_holiday.html" target="_blank">tax free weekend</a>!</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5127749105506298281.post-24627563145015949052014-07-07T11:25:00.000-07:002014-07-07T11:25:00.125-07:00Summer Reading<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp9FbrZ7FieJbaPll6I2zzPxg8TGAeiaF1FYGGUPPCAA4HLtiAl5gbEmqxAhtNMHuOkdmOdroVhYlh_I3kfL9KXfySufblam5wsepI9T2FH-sDbZRvvDpjO0MUDSlJTldVFvmCqbdkSz0/s1600/bookimage1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp9FbrZ7FieJbaPll6I2zzPxg8TGAeiaF1FYGGUPPCAA4HLtiAl5gbEmqxAhtNMHuOkdmOdroVhYlh_I3kfL9KXfySufblam5wsepI9T2FH-sDbZRvvDpjO0MUDSlJTldVFvmCqbdkSz0/s1600/bookimage1.png" height="320" width="226" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There is nothing better to do on a hot, lazy, summer day
then to relax with a good book. I have always loved to read and my fifth grader is no
different. Ever since she learned how to read, you will now always find her
with a book. As you can imagine, she had acquired quite a big library
of books; on her bookshelf and on her Kindle. This past summer, some of her favorite
books that she has been reading are <a href="http://www.homeschoolliterature.com/category/books-by-homeschoolers" target="_blank">books by homeschoolers</a>. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Currently, she is
in the middle of the book called, “</span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/1596435569?tag=lipawe-20&camp=213381&creative=390973&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=1596435569&adid=05NCPXEYV09TYN2AYH50&&ref-refURL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.homeschoolliterature.com%2Fbooks-by-grade%2Fteen-and-up%2Ffriends-with-boys-by-faith-erin-hicks" target="_blank">Friends With Boys by Faith Erin Hicks</a></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">” (:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5127749105506298281.post-37080190336039380742014-06-01T11:00:00.000-07:002014-06-01T11:00:01.562-07:00Summer School<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Summer is here and just like public/private schools, for
many homeschoolers, this is the time of year that they also take time off from
their day to day studies. However, for “year-rounders” like me, we choose to continue
lessons throughout the summer. Does this mean we never take a vacation?! No,
we do. We just take our vacation time, throughout the year, when we choose to.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you're interested in homeschooling during the summer. There are some fun <a href="http://www.time4learning.com/summer-school.shtml" target="_blank">online summer school</a> programs available
to use. Not wanting to jump on the “year-rounders” band wagon yet, but still
would like something educational for your kiddos to do over the summer? You can
always create a reading list for your child to complete over the summer or have them do some <a href="http://www.learninggamesforkids.com/" target="_blank">free learning games </a>on the internet. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8tGezdY_MgEd7iK3mM93wyrGkzIcQ2zPlFsX5sc2bpC8cLIqyq8NcJIooOrR1UAOd_r1ro_XYJIvCHgCVjg4d5z_47L1w-8NzPeYcZV-C1Rhv-hcWjCNnkRJj9tSbmCq9I6-a3KAb0qA/s1600/summerUS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8tGezdY_MgEd7iK3mM93wyrGkzIcQ2zPlFsX5sc2bpC8cLIqyq8NcJIooOrR1UAOd_r1ro_XYJIvCHgCVjg4d5z_47L1w-8NzPeYcZV-C1Rhv-hcWjCNnkRJj9tSbmCq9I6-a3KAb0qA/s1600/summerUS.jpg" height="200" width="154" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A <a href="http://www.unitstudy.com/SummerSensations.html" target="_blank">summer themed unit study</a> is always easy to do and fun! You can either buy one already put together or create one your self. Also,</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> don't forget all those fun, sunny, educational field trips you can take to places like the beach, zoo, etc. ;)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5127749105506298281.post-50633923648766958842014-05-19T09:34:00.000-07:002014-05-19T09:34:00.277-07:00The Subject of Music<br />
<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img class="mainImage" src="http://ts3.mm.bing.net/th?id=HN.608016456942684606&pid=1.7" style="background-color: white; height: 313px; width: 425px;" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When we decide that we want to homeschool, we all know that
we will need to teach: language, art, math, science, and social studies.
However, music is often forgotten. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I suppose that for many of us, we don't look at music as being a subject, or at least one of the basics. S</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">till, there is a lot of
value that learning about music and playing an instrument provides to a child.
</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img class="mainImage" src="http://i.ebayimg.com/t/Wood-Simulated-8-Holes-Woodnote-Soprano-Recorder-Flute-Baroque-Leatherette-Bag-/00/s/NjAwWDYwMA==/$(KGrHqZ,!h4E-ZeHG4TfBP1PzRQDKQ~~60_35.JPG" style="background-color: white; height: 300px; width: 300px;" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Growing up myself, I remember how much I enjoyed playing the guitar and recorder. It gave me a unique sense of accomplishment and self-confidence.
This is why I knew that when my children were old enough I would include music, as part of our homeschool. If you have never considered including music
before or maybe you have, but not sure where to begin, the first step is
discussing with your child what instrument they may be interested in playing.
Then once you and your child have decided on an instrument the next step is to seek out
someone who can provide lessons. If private lessons are not an option for your family, there are still so many other options that are available. There are
how-to books, videos, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Harmonic-Vision-41108-Music-Deluxe/dp/B00018AUBK/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1396240165&sr=8-3&keywords=self+teach+to+read+music" target="_blank">computer program</a>s, fun <a href="http://www.learninggamesforkids.com/art_and_music_games.html" target="_blank">music games</a>, or you can just allow your child to play freely ;)</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5127749105506298281.post-11381321749266463982014-04-11T08:50:00.000-07:002014-04-11T08:50:00.952-07:00Easter Time is almost here!<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Easter, is one of my favorite holidays; my kids too! No
matter how young or old, there is just something about coloring Easter eggs,
waiting for Easter morning to come, all the goodies, and of course dressing up in
your best to go to church. Plus, there is the fun afternoon with family and
friends, Easter egg hunts, and an Easter feast. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Easter of course brings with it fun learning opportunities. There are several ways to incorporate the holiday into your studies. Maybe you would like to teach how to make your own natural dye, so you can make <a href="http://chemistry.about.com/od/holidayhowtos/a/eastereggdyes.htm" target="_blank">natural Easter eggs</a> this year. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Below is a chart
on how to create those colors. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 18pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Natural Easter Egg Dyes</span></b><br />
<br /><div class="c0">
<span><a href="http://chemistry.about.com/bio/Anne-Marie-Helmenstine-Ph-D-7815.htm" rel="author">Helmenstine, Ph.D.</a>, </span><span><a href="http://chemistry.about.com/bio/Anne-Marie-Helmenstine-Ph-D-7815.htm" rel="author">Anne Marie</a>. </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="fn">Natural Easter Egg Dyes</span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">-Colored Easter Eggs Using Natural Dyes</span></span></span><span class="c5">. </span><span>About.com-Chemistry, 2014. http://chemistry.about.com/od/holidayhowtos/a/eastereggdyes.htm. April 3, 2014.</span></div>
<b><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 18pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></b><b><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 18pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<table align="center" border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2" style="width: 425px;"><tbody>
<tr><td><b>Color</b></td><td><b>Ingredients</b></td></tr>
<tr><td>Lavender</td><td>Small Quantity of Purple Grape Juice<br />
Violet Blossoms plus 2 tsp Lemon Juice<br />
Red Zinger Tea</td></tr>
<tr><td>Violet Blue</td><td>Violet Blossoms<br />
Small Quantity of Red Onions Skins (boiled)<br />
Hibiscus Tea<br />
Red Wine</td></tr>
<tr><td>Blue</td><td>Canned Blueberries<br />
Red Cabbage Leaves (boiled)<br />
Purple Grape Juice</td></tr>
<tr><td>Green</td><td>Spinach Leaves (boiled)<br />
Liquid Chlorophyll</td></tr>
<tr><td>Greenish Yellow</td><td>Yellow Delicious Apple Peels (boiled)</td></tr>
<tr><td>Yellow</td><td>Orange or Lemon Peels (boiled)<br />
Carrot Tops (boiled)<br />
Celery Seed (boiled)<br />
Ground Cumin (boiled)<br />
Ground Turmeric (boiled)<br />
Chamomile Tea<br />
Green Tea</td></tr>
<tr><td>Golden Brown</td><td>Dill Seeds</td></tr>
<tr><td>Brown</td><td>Strong Coffee<br />
Instant Coffee<br />
Black Walnut Shells (boiled)<br />
Black Tea</td></tr>
<tr><td>Orange</td><td>Yellow Onion Skins (boiled)<br />
Cooked Carrots<br />
Chili Powder<br />
Paprika</td></tr>
<tr><td>Pink</td><td>Beets<br />
Cranberries or Juice<br />
Raspberries<br />
Red Grape Juice<br />
Juice from Pickled Beets</td></tr>
<tr><td>Red</td><td>Lots of Red Onions Skins (boiled)<br />
Canned Cherries with Juice<br />
Pomegranate Juice<br />
Raspberries</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Or maybe an in depth look into the <a href="http://www.history.com/topics/holidays/history-of-easter" target="_blank">origin of Easter</a> is
something you rather do. Of course there are always themed <a href="http://www.spellingcity.com/view-spelling-list.html?listId=5376191&x=57846" target="_blank">Easter word lists</a>, games, and of course fun
Easter crafts.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Whatever you decided to do, I hope you have a <b><i><span style="background-color: magenta;">Happy Easter</span></i></b>!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5127749105506298281.post-79029361361101957692014-03-24T00:24:00.000-07:002014-04-02T11:29:55.357-07:00Spring is Here!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img class="mainImage" src="http://newyorkpetanque.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/spring-is-here_By_jackiebrunk.jpg" style="height: 423px; width: 423px;" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It seems like just last week it was still winter... O' wait, it was!
<br />
Seriously, though, it is hard to believe that spring is already here. Since it
is one of my favorite seasons, minus the allergies, I am delighted. So,
how are we planning to add some "spring" into our homeschool classroom? <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <b>
</b></span><b>A Spring Unit Study of course!<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br />
Wondering what a unit study is? Well, don’t worry. They are super easy to do.
The hardest part is deciding on a topic. Once you choose your topic, you just combine
the different subjects, with the theme in mind. There is no set time line for a
unit study. It can be long or short, done over a day or two or several weeks.
You can do them alongside your regular curriculum or all by itself, with tons
of activities or just a few. That is the fun thing about them, you get to
decide. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
We will be doing our unit study alongside our regular studies. Some of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the spring inspired activities will be to
read, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://www.homeschoolliterature.com/books-by-grade/grades-3-5/the-one-and-only-miss-violet-remy-by-angie-renich" title="Permanent Link to One and Only Miss Violet Remy, The by Angie Renich"><span style="color: blue;">One
and Only Miss Violet Remy, The by Angie Renich</span></a>, which also has some great
<a href="http://www.spellingcity.com/Games/whichword-parts-of-speech.html" target="_blank">spelling games</a> that you can use from
SpellingCity.com. <br />
We are also taking a field trip to a butterfly garden. We
love them and go every year :)<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5127749105506298281.post-47897348971470605822012-11-15T20:36:00.001-08:002014-04-19T11:55:38.704-07:00Tips for NOT Making Good ReadersOk... I am being a little sarcastic... but humor me... We are always hearing tips on how to make good readers, how to get them to love <a href="http://www.time4learning.com/reading/fifth-grade-reading-program.shtml">5th grade reading</a>... and yes, I am guilty of it! But who doesn't want to make better readers?<br />
<br />
Anyway here's how NOT to make a good reader...<br />
1) Place a lot of requirements on your child to read.<br />
2) Don't read aloud to your children<br />
3) Choose books for your children to read that are too difficult for them<br />
4) Never let your children see you read<br />
5)Don't allow them to read when they feel like it!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5127749105506298281.post-47885006771121415612012-11-01T20:50:00.001-07:002014-04-19T12:01:39.864-07:00Schooling on a BudgetHomeschooling is an awesome adventure, but it isn't free. We are responsible to support and fund our own homeschool endeavors even though we pay taxes to cover our children's education. This wonderful endeavor we call homeschool does cost. Yet, the good news is that there are great ways to avoid breaking the budget.<br />
<br />
Make your goals for homeschooling meet your budget. Are you more interested in homeschooling or having a fancy car and a big house.<br />
<br />
Use online<a href="http://www.time4learning.com/homeschool-resource.shtml"> homeschool resources</a> that are free or very inexpensive. For example: online <a href="http://www.time4learning.com/learning-games.shtml">learning games.</a><br />
<br />
Look for used<a href="http://www.time4learning.com/homeschool-curriculum.htm"> homeschool curriculum</a> and buy from online sites like ebay or amazon.<br />
<br />
Use coupons to help make ends meet.<br />
<br />
Don't eat out... try to make healthy home made dinners... they are more frugal!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5127749105506298281.post-47031854446612977162012-10-15T20:21:00.001-07:002012-10-15T20:21:00.342-07:00Scheduling For Fifth GradersI 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.<br /><br />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 <a href="http://www.vocabulary.co.il/latin-learning-games/">Latin</a> 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.<br /><br />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!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5127749105506298281.post-27564527843668241162012-10-01T19:31:00.001-07:002014-04-19T12:13:40.896-07:00Fifth Grade MathMath... 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.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.time4learning.com/math_facts.htm">Math</a> 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.<br />
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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<a href="http://www.time4learning.com/math-games.shtml"> math games</a> 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!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5127749105506298281.post-34570869747405192952012-09-15T19:18:00.001-07:002012-09-15T19:18:00.446-07:00Use Your FreedomDo you ever wonder what it would be like if we no longer had the freedom to homeschool? I know that I truly would be broken hearted. Homeschooling is a vital part of our lives. It is who we are, how we learn. Yet, I believe that I take that freedom for granted.<br /><br />The freedom that we experience in America is much more open than what other countries or nations have for their citizens. We have the freedom to be what we feel that we need to be for our children. This may include everything from <a href="http://www.time4learning.com/homeschool/eclectic-homeschooling.shtml">eclectic homeschooling</a> to homeschooling online.<br /><br />Our freedom to homeschool is precious and dear. Take your time today to enjoy that freedom and consider it sacred!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5127749105506298281.post-26059051665219633932012-09-01T19:10:00.001-07:002012-09-01T19:10:00.972-07:00Secular Homeschool for Fifth GradeThere are homeschoolers out there from every different facet of life, every religion, and every philosophical bend. Homeschooling appeals to people across cultures, races, religions, and economic backgrounds. The one thing that we do have in common is that we all feel that homeschooling is the best choice for our family.<br /><br />There are many differing opinions on just exactly what secular homeschooling means. Here is a definition provided by a homeschooling mom named "topsytechie."<br /><br /><blockquote><br /><p>A secular homeschooler is a person who, whether or not they<br />ascribe to any particular religious faith, is not homeschooling for<br />religious reasons, but because it is the best choice for themselves and<br />their child(ren).</p><br /><p>This pretty much sums it up, and seems to me to be a positive viewpoint of what <a href="http://www.secularhomeschool.com/content/?s=79feac926c19c8adce6ce886c2fa7687">secular homeschooling</a> is meant to be.</p><br /><blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5127749105506298281.post-71896216832843200562012-08-15T19:49:00.001-07:002014-04-19T12:23:09.581-07:00Considering Homeschooling?Have you been toying with the idea of homeschooling? Are you thinking about giving it a whirl? I hope that you do... it was one of the best decisions that I ever made. But there are a few things that you need to keep in mind when beginning this journey.<br />
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1)Review all of your options and speak with veteran homeschoolers<br />
2) Speak with your spouse and determine what is best for your family. The entire family will need to work together to make it work!<br />
3) Determine what style of <a href="http://www.time4learning.com/homeschool-curriculum.htm">homeschool curriculum</a> fits your family's needs. Each person and each family has specific needs that will determine exactly what curriculum will work best for them.<br />
4)Determine where you will learn. Some do better with a specific place, and others do well wherever they find a spot.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5127749105506298281.post-17744913866135576412012-08-01T19:03:00.001-07:002012-08-01T19:03:00.487-07:00Supplementing Homeschool Online For FreeAre you always trying to figure out fresh new ways to educate your children? Do you children get bored with the same old same old? I know mine do. They get in a rut, and eventually they begin to get bored - they lose interest and things get old. But - it doesn't have to be that way. There are lots of great ways to get your kids excited about learning by supplementing your existing curriculum.<br /><br />Here are a few great sites that you can do this with simply and for.... (drumroll please).... FREE!<br />1) Visit <a href="http://www.learninggamesforkids.com/">learning games for kids</a><br />2) Make spelling a no brainer by using <a href="http://www.spellingcity.com/">Spelling and Vocabulary City</a><br />3) Get vocabulary help with <a href="http://www.vocabulary.co.il/">Vocabulary Games for Kids</a><br />4)Practice multiplication facts with <a href="http://www.bigbrainz.com/">Timez Attack</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5127749105506298281.post-32281786670613785242012-07-15T18:56:00.001-07:002014-04-19T12:27:10.316-07:00Put some Spring into Your HomeschoolSome people homeschool year round, either using their regular curricula or a <a href="http://www.time4learning.com/summer-school.shtml">summer school</a> program, while others just stick with the summer off schedule. I personally, like the latter simply because it gives me the much needed break that I require to get recharged and ready for another year. It may also be because I am a teacher and some habits break hard... Yet, each year as school is winding down and we are trying to put the finishing touches on our last few lessons. Things seem to get tedious. The weather is beautiful and no one wants to be inside. We all get ready to be finished with schoolwork. Yet, finish we must...<br />
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There's no reason you should suffer through monotonous final days... change things up... energize the whole bunch to get through the last few days with a bang. Give yourself a change of scenery - have school in the back yard! If that doesn't work, take a day off and go have some fun. Have a picnic or go fishing - or go to the zoo. Give them an opportunity to enjoy the beautiful weather, and then having refreshed yourselves - you can dive back in to finish!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5127749105506298281.post-9832579929016671462012-07-01T18:47:00.001-07:002012-07-01T18:47:00.615-07:00Raising Responsible Fifth GradersMany years ago, when I taught first grade I had a student whose parents really babied him. They would actually carry him to class - in first grade! He had difficulties doing almost everything we did in first grade. He was less mature than the other children, and just couldn't keep up with the subject matter.<br /><br />From this experience, I learned that parents who expect much of their children are actually teaching their children responsibility and even fostering maturity in them. If we expect age appropriate behavior from our children, we are more likely to get it than if we expected nothing of them. If we teach them how they should act, or how to perform certain behaviors and they don't - they typically receive a punishment. If they do act as they should and behave appropriately we reward them. All of these actions are part of the wonderful cycle of <a href="http://www.time4learning.net/blog/homeschool_online/raising-responsible-children-94/">teaching our children responsibility</a>. Fifth graders are ready and able to be given the responsibility of doing many things around the house. Remember, their maturity level will correspond to what you expect from them!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0