Well, two weeks into our school year, and so far nature study has been done from the window. Let's see, what have we done so far...
We were in week 14 of Year 4 this past week. So far we...
read about earthquakes in Madam How and Lady Why...
.....and lived through our first earthquake!
(Actually, poor dear son was down at the creek with his friend, and being outside, he didn't notice a thing. I, on the other hand, first thought the dog was scatching himself behind my chair, but he wasn't there, so I thought the washer was out of balance, ...but that wouldn't shake the whole upstairs... So I wondered if a helicopter was landing on my house, but I opened the window, and it was perfectly quiet outside. So I finally understood it was an earthquake... and it kept rumbling and rumbling... The bathroom mirrors rattling against each other... but no damage.)
We read about volcanoes, that near volcanoes earthquakes occur, but they can also occur where there are no volcanoes. And then, fortunately, we did not experience any volcanoes...
We had a hurricane come through (really, it was Tropical Storm Irene by the time we got it). We lost our electricity, and one of our maple trees shed a huge, huge bough, which by God's mercy caused no harm. So we cleaned it up (five trash cans full of tree debris with plenty more, but no more cans), and after recycling emptied the cans we cleaned up from the yards.
We took a fast trip to NC to visit Nana and Pop Pop for Nana's 80th birthday dinner! (We didn't tell her we were coming; it was a great surprise for her!)
We got home to tropical storm Lee, and four or five solid days of torrential rain! Worse rain than Irene, but without the wind.
Last day of the storm we drove to a little local communnity fair to enter our items into competition! What a wet, muddy, messy trip that one was! But worth it, as my son and I got nice ribbons on almost every item we entered. (I suspect there may have been less people entering because of the weather... I mean, it was hugely pouring, and there was thunder and lightening, roads flooding... awful weather, during the hours when you were allowed to enter your items...
So, our weather has finally cleared, for now. We have a really cool field trip planned for Wednesday where we will go out on a pontoon boat on a lake -- I think the boat has a glass bottom or something... and we'll take binoculars... I'll try to take photos.
So, sorry no photos of the earth quake or the two tropical storms, nor of the road trip, nor of the fair... I guess this might seem like a boring blog entry to some, but we have felt the past three weeks to be a fairly wild ride for our normal start of school...
Note to self: remember to use camera for future blog entries...
Til next time!
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Nature Nuts
We are in Week 2 of our school year, and we are slowly ramping up to speed.
One of my goals this year has been to make school more fun. My son has/had developed a mindset of hating school, and I don't want it to be that way. I had been thinking about how I could change what I was doing to help my son enjoy the process. And then I was given the opportunity to try out an educational game called Nature Nuts. Initially I had some doubts about if the game would be "too young" for us, since it was marked for ages 8+, but I now know it is probably way over my head. Read on to learn more.
Let's just say my son is wise to my scheme, and he greeted the new game with less than enthusiasm, but grudgingly played a game with me once I informed him that I required it of him. The game started off a bit rocky, with each of us missing the answer to question after question, but by the end of the game my son was enjoying the fact that he was getting a significant number of answers correct, and I was not. He won the game.
I won't whine long about how the game conspired against me. Some questions wording threw me: "Since snakes have no teeth, how do they eat?" I answered, "They unhinge their jaws." My son snickered and read, "They swallow their prey whole." Then there was the question that came up that I got wrong, that two turns later repeated itself in the deck for my son, who now knew the answer and joyfully added points to his score.
Anyway, I am really enjoying supplementing our science course by playing this game throughout the week. And my so is, too, although he might not admit it if you ask him.
Nature Nuts was created by a company called Griddley Games, and is part of a series of games called Wise Alec Family Trivia Game. Nature Nuts can be used as an expansion to the Wise Alec game, or it can be used alone as a trivia game.
It contains a die with colored dots on the six faces, and four stacks of trivia cards. The person whose turn it is rolls the die, and is then asked a question from one of three categories. The question category is determined by the color rolled on the die. There are questions for red, green and yellow (animals, plants and earth, respectively). If you roll blue, you can pick which category. If you roll orange, your opponent can pick which category, but your score is double if you answer correctly. If you select purple, you pick a "Wise Alec" card which might ask you to do something totally unique. My son had to stand with his palms together over his head, with one foot resting against his other leg, and balance that way for 30 seconds to get 7 points. He succeeded. Fortunately I wasn't asked to do that! :)
You can choose to play the game to a certain point ceiling (we played til someone had 50 points), or set a timer and play for a certain amount of time, like 30 minutes. If you play as an expansion of the Wise Alec game, you have a game board that you move around with game pieces; otherwise you play just by rolling the die and having questions asked. On each turn you can pick a 3 point question (easier) or a 7 point question (harder). I wasn't very good at either, but I look forward to increasing my knowledge of nature trivia as we continue to play the game.
I am enjoying this game and I highly recommend it as a supplement to your school program. It is highly educational. Or you can use it as a supplement to your game collection, if you prefer to think of it that way. I received my set of cards for free in exchange for an honest review. Please visit the Homeschool Crew Blog to see reviews by other members of the Homeschool Crew.
Griddley Games also makes the basic Wise Alec game, as I mentioned above, as well as Civilize This! and Wise Alec: Sports Buffs. In addition to trivia games, Griddley Games makes sports trivia games (Griddly Headz Strategy Games), Chronicles of the Mind, and Words of the Wise. All of these games look like fun ways to help the entire family learn trivia and vocabulary while having fun. Also, their website is chock-full of videos explaining all the different games, making the rules and the play easy to understand.
I recommend you give this company a good look. They have a lot to offer to supplement your educational program. Nature Nuts is not available locally in all areas (not available in MY area), but is available online, and costs $14.99.
One of my goals this year has been to make school more fun. My son has/had developed a mindset of hating school, and I don't want it to be that way. I had been thinking about how I could change what I was doing to help my son enjoy the process. And then I was given the opportunity to try out an educational game called Nature Nuts. Initially I had some doubts about if the game would be "too young" for us, since it was marked for ages 8+, but I now know it is probably way over my head. Read on to learn more.
Let's just say my son is wise to my scheme, and he greeted the new game with less than enthusiasm, but grudgingly played a game with me once I informed him that I required it of him. The game started off a bit rocky, with each of us missing the answer to question after question, but by the end of the game my son was enjoying the fact that he was getting a significant number of answers correct, and I was not. He won the game.
I won't whine long about how the game conspired against me. Some questions wording threw me: "Since snakes have no teeth, how do they eat?" I answered, "They unhinge their jaws." My son snickered and read, "They swallow their prey whole." Then there was the question that came up that I got wrong, that two turns later repeated itself in the deck for my son, who now knew the answer and joyfully added points to his score.
Anyway, I am really enjoying supplementing our science course by playing this game throughout the week. And my so is, too, although he might not admit it if you ask him.
Nature Nuts was created by a company called Griddley Games, and is part of a series of games called Wise Alec Family Trivia Game. Nature Nuts can be used as an expansion to the Wise Alec game, or it can be used alone as a trivia game.
It contains a die with colored dots on the six faces, and four stacks of trivia cards. The person whose turn it is rolls the die, and is then asked a question from one of three categories. The question category is determined by the color rolled on the die. There are questions for red, green and yellow (animals, plants and earth, respectively). If you roll blue, you can pick which category. If you roll orange, your opponent can pick which category, but your score is double if you answer correctly. If you select purple, you pick a "Wise Alec" card which might ask you to do something totally unique. My son had to stand with his palms together over his head, with one foot resting against his other leg, and balance that way for 30 seconds to get 7 points. He succeeded. Fortunately I wasn't asked to do that! :)
You can choose to play the game to a certain point ceiling (we played til someone had 50 points), or set a timer and play for a certain amount of time, like 30 minutes. If you play as an expansion of the Wise Alec game, you have a game board that you move around with game pieces; otherwise you play just by rolling the die and having questions asked. On each turn you can pick a 3 point question (easier) or a 7 point question (harder). I wasn't very good at either, but I look forward to increasing my knowledge of nature trivia as we continue to play the game.
I am enjoying this game and I highly recommend it as a supplement to your school program. It is highly educational. Or you can use it as a supplement to your game collection, if you prefer to think of it that way. I received my set of cards for free in exchange for an honest review. Please visit the Homeschool Crew Blog to see reviews by other members of the Homeschool Crew.
Griddley Games also makes the basic Wise Alec game, as I mentioned above, as well as Civilize This! and Wise Alec: Sports Buffs. In addition to trivia games, Griddley Games makes sports trivia games (Griddly Headz Strategy Games), Chronicles of the Mind, and Words of the Wise. All of these games look like fun ways to help the entire family learn trivia and vocabulary while having fun. Also, their website is chock-full of videos explaining all the different games, making the rules and the play easy to understand.
I recommend you give this company a good look. They have a lot to offer to supplement your educational program. Nature Nuts is not available locally in all areas (not available in MY area), but is available online, and costs $14.99.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
How to Have a H.E.A.R.T. for Your Child
Sometime in June I became aware of this book put out by Apologia: How to Have a H.E.A.R.T. for Your Child. I was wanting a new devotional, and this book was pulling me. I found the book had a free sample chapter, so I opened and read the introduction, "The Heart of the Matter".
The writing style of the author pulled me in; it was written in a style that really communicated with me. I wanted the book. It was on the list for TOS Crew "Upcoming Vendors", and I hoped I would be selected to review it... I was!
So now I get to share with you what I think of this book that I was blessed to receive for free in exchange for my mostly unbiased review of its contents.
Rachael Carman's writing is direct, but familiar. When I sit down to read a section of the book, I feel like I'm having a chat with a friend over a cup of coffee at my local coffee shop.
The areas Rachael addresses in her H.E.A.R.T acrostic are provoking, yet gentle. She gentles her message by using real-life personal examples, so that as the reader I know that I am not being preached to by someone who has "arrived", but am being encouraged by someone who shares in the battle.
Each chapter ends with a page of application questions, she calls it a "Heart Check", to help you continue to mull over hwo to apply the contents of the chapter. It is helpful to read each chapter thoughtfully, with a Bible and notebook close at hand, so that you can look up referenced Bible verses, take notes, and write down and answer the application questions.
I enjoyed this book, and I will probably re-read it in the future. I have somewhat rushed through it on my first read, because my review's due date was looming. So, I won't be getting "down deep" here and revealing where this has applied to me personally...
This book is written with Mom in mind. Dad might benefit, but it is clearly written to Mom.
If you are looking for that next resource that you'd like to use as a side dish during your quiet time with God, I highly recommend you pick up a copy of Apologia's : How to Have a H.E.A.R.T. for Your Child, available at the Apologia website for $13.00. It can be purchased as a hardback book, or as a download (which will save you the expense of postage). In addition to this resource, Apologia offers a full line of Science materials (Apologia Science, other course products to promote a Biblica worldview in your student (Apologia Press), retreats for mom (Apologia Live), online courses (Apologia Academy), support materials to help moms write transcripts or teach gifted children, as well as additional books for mom, such as Educating the WholeHearted Child and more (Parent Resource Page).
You can see more reviews of this product, you can read them at the Crew Blog.
I received this book for free, in exchange for agreeing to review it. I was not paid for writing this review.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
County Fair, Part 2, with photos
County Fair was lots of fun this year! My son and I both entered items into competition, and we both did well.
My son got a special award for his cherry tomatoes, which I didn't get a photograph of, as well as a nature craft that he entered:
He also entered an electronic quiz board, shown here, as well as a Snap Circuits A.M. Radio that got a special award (no photo),
a blue ribbon on a soda-bottle rocket he made:
a blue ribbon on a jar lamp he made as part of the 4-H electric project:
and blue and red ribbons on some of his paintings:
DS also entered his hamster in the pet show and came away with several ribbons.
Then lots of rides on "Ride Day" (our family usually does rides only once a year).
Then I got to look at how my own fair entries did. My boys' slacks and boys pajamas got blue ribbons,
as did my latch hook rug, my blue teddy bear, and my fuzzy, floppy bunny with no face. I got a champion ribbon on my blue ribbon chocolate chip cookies with nuts. My other entries, some got no ribbons, some got lesser ribbons:
These are a crocheted market bag, a crocheted rub in bright colors, and a sewn pair of fleece booties. I had also made entries of a crocheted baby hat and booties, and a sewn apron, plus some other cookies.
Let me know what you think!
My son got a special award for his cherry tomatoes, which I didn't get a photograph of, as well as a nature craft that he entered:
a blue ribbon on a jar lamp he made as part of the 4-H electric project:
and blue and red ribbons on some of his paintings:
DS also entered his hamster in the pet show and came away with several ribbons.
Then I got to look at how my own fair entries did. My boys' slacks and boys pajamas got blue ribbons,
These are a crocheted market bag, a crocheted rub in bright colors, and a sewn pair of fleece booties. I had also made entries of a crocheted baby hat and booties, and a sewn apron, plus some other cookies.
Let me know what you think!
Unexpected blessing
Sorry I didn't post for a week -- I had an unexpected blessing, but it set me back...
One evening last week my hubby took me out shopping, and he bought me a new laptop! My old laptop was five years old, and it had gotten very slow. He wants to rebuild it and make it available for our student.
So, the setback is over the unexpected time it takes to transition from one computer to another. I could not believe how difficult this has been.
Okay, for one thing this computer does unexpected things. Like a moment ago I pushed the "enter" key to start a new paragraph, and instead this blog entry posted to my blog! No reason, no explanation. I don't get it.
Another example, my computers are on a network, so I wanted to easily move files from computer 1 to computer 2. But it wouldn't work. Computers were disconnecting from the network, and that seemed to be related to...
Oh, the earthquake. On the day of the earthquake, the kitchen computer died. (Oh, days later, fortunately, my husband was able to perform c.p.r. - computer pressed-air ressussitation... ha! ha!) That was the same day my computer 1 stopped talking to computer 2, and neither computer was willing to talk to the printer, and on and on!
Let's not forget the Math lessons I entered into my 36-week lesson planner up to week 17 or so that I saved, but which disappeared for some reason.
::sigh::
But, I'm finally beginning to recover from this transition to my new blessing. Wanted to post an explanation first, and next I'll post an update of our county fair fun!
One evening last week my hubby took me out shopping, and he bought me a new laptop! My old laptop was five years old, and it had gotten very slow. He wants to rebuild it and make it available for our student.
So, the setback is over the unexpected time it takes to transition from one computer to another. I could not believe how difficult this has been.
Okay, for one thing this computer does unexpected things. Like a moment ago I pushed the "enter" key to start a new paragraph, and instead this blog entry posted to my blog! No reason, no explanation. I don't get it.
Another example, my computers are on a network, so I wanted to easily move files from computer 1 to computer 2. But it wouldn't work. Computers were disconnecting from the network, and that seemed to be related to...
Oh, the earthquake. On the day of the earthquake, the kitchen computer died. (Oh, days later, fortunately, my husband was able to perform c.p.r. - computer pressed-air ressussitation... ha! ha!) That was the same day my computer 1 stopped talking to computer 2, and neither computer was willing to talk to the printer, and on and on!
Let's not forget the Math lessons I entered into my 36-week lesson planner up to week 17 or so that I saved, but which disappeared for some reason.
::sigh::
But, I'm finally beginning to recover from this transition to my new blessing. Wanted to post an explanation first, and next I'll post an update of our county fair fun!
Sunday, August 14, 2011
County Fair 2011
Fair days have arrived.
Monday (8/8) I went to the Fairgrounds to enter our 4-H Club's banner that we updated to reflect our current 4-H Year. Our banner got a 1st place ribbon and also a Champion ribbon! (No photos of anything yet; I'll have to post those a bit later; been too busy!)
Wednesday my son entered his "non-perishable" 4-H items, which included:
Pencil self-portrait; water color of our dog; acrylic painting of a mountain sunset; a bottle rocket from 2 2-liter soda bottles; an electric jar-lamp; an electric game board; a loom-knitted hat; a stone mozaic; a nature craft; and several more things. (again, photos soon.)
Friday I entered my own "open class" fair entries, which included boys' pajamas, boys' slacks; an apron; sewn baby booties; a crocheted tote, crocheted booties; a crocheted rug; a latch hook rug; chocolate chip cookies; a needlepoint pillow; and several other items.
Saturday my son entered his "perishable" 4-H entries: 5 cakes; 3 types of cookies; garden vegetables; citizenship baskets; etc. I also entered some items our club had put together: citizenship baskets. We then worked at the 4-H Bake Sale until 10:00 pm.
Today (Sunday) was the 4-H Parade. We woke to pouring rain! But by the time we got to the fairgrounds after church, the weather had gone from parade doubtful to parade possible, and progressed to parade definite! Our club got a 2nd place ribbon for its walking unit!
None of my son's cakes got 1st place, so we did not stay for the 8:00 cake auction this year. We're resting up. Tomorrow's the day we've set aside for the carnival part of the fair!
Happy summer, all!
Monday (8/8) I went to the Fairgrounds to enter our 4-H Club's banner that we updated to reflect our current 4-H Year. Our banner got a 1st place ribbon and also a Champion ribbon! (No photos of anything yet; I'll have to post those a bit later; been too busy!)
Wednesday my son entered his "non-perishable" 4-H items, which included:
Pencil self-portrait; water color of our dog; acrylic painting of a mountain sunset; a bottle rocket from 2 2-liter soda bottles; an electric jar-lamp; an electric game board; a loom-knitted hat; a stone mozaic; a nature craft; and several more things. (again, photos soon.)
Friday I entered my own "open class" fair entries, which included boys' pajamas, boys' slacks; an apron; sewn baby booties; a crocheted tote, crocheted booties; a crocheted rug; a latch hook rug; chocolate chip cookies; a needlepoint pillow; and several other items.
Saturday my son entered his "perishable" 4-H entries: 5 cakes; 3 types of cookies; garden vegetables; citizenship baskets; etc. I also entered some items our club had put together: citizenship baskets. We then worked at the 4-H Bake Sale until 10:00 pm.
Today (Sunday) was the 4-H Parade. We woke to pouring rain! But by the time we got to the fairgrounds after church, the weather had gone from parade doubtful to parade possible, and progressed to parade definite! Our club got a 2nd place ribbon for its walking unit!
None of my son's cakes got 1st place, so we did not stay for the 8:00 cake auction this year. We're resting up. Tomorrow's the day we've set aside for the carnival part of the fair!
Happy summer, all!
Monday, August 8, 2011
Back to School! Curriculum Plans...
New year coming, and plans are cranking. Some things I'm fairly certain of, and some things I have three or four choices on and am not sure what direction I will go. Some subjects I would switch in a heartbeat if I get a free alternate choice as a result of my position as a reviewer on the TOS Homeschool Crew... But here's how it currently stands:
Bible:
o Awana’s;
o Continuing work on AOP 5th Grade Bible curriculum;
o Bible readings, singing of hymns, Bible memory verses
Math
o Horizons 6
Science:
My current plans are to do the Apologia Zoology, Parts 1, 2 and 3 (a kind friend loaned me books 2 and 3 today!). I figure we should be able to do all three, for a 6th grader, because they are somewhat easy, like younger grammar could do one or two in a year. Here they are:
o Apologia Flying Creatures of the 5th Day
o Apologia Swimming Creatures of the 5th Day; and
o Apologia Land Animals of the 6th Day.
o [I also own or else 6th Grade Abeka]
o I will supplement with Supercharged Science
o [I am hopeful that I might receive, to review as part of TOS Crew, a copy of Exploring Creation with Human Anatomy and Physiology or Physical Science to use next year!]
Social Studies:
o Tapestry of Grace Year 3 (1800’s)
Language Arts:
Literature:
o Tapestry of Grace, Year 3
Writing
o Tapestry of Grace, Year 3 (additional resources: Writing Aids; Write Source 2000
Penmanship:
o continuing in A Beka 4 Penmanship Mastery I (because we own it and he hasn't accomplished handwriting yet);
(Anyone have a copy of A Beka 5's Penmanship Mastery II they'd like to sell me for $5?)
Grammar:
o Easy Grammar;
o Daily Grams 6;
Spelling
o Combination of “Writing Road to Reading”, Spelling Power, and Natural Speller (Stout), particularly noting words he misspells, teaching him the spelling, and then systematic review.
o Big IQ Kids free Spelling and Vocabulary program, where I plug my words into their program and have my son use their program daily to learn his spelling words. Sounds like a great plan!
Vocabulary:
o Latin Roots: English from the Roots Up;
o Tapestry of Grace Year 3 vocabulary
o I think I also own A Beka Vocabulary -- I need to go check
o Big IQ Kids free Spelling and Vocabulary program - just went there today for the first time so not quite sure if I provide the words or if I have an option to use a list they provide, but I think they provide both options for free.
Music Appreciation:
o Harmony Art Mom's Art and Music Appreciation of the 1800's pages;
o various hymns, patriotic songs and folk songs throughout the year;
Art Appreciation:
o Harmony Art Mom's Art and Music Appreciation of the 1800's pages;
o A Beka Art C
Health:
A Beka combined with regular discussion and study;
Physical Education:
o Wii fit and additional activities: roller skating, gymnastics, trampoline, bike, etc. plus co-op classes;
Electives:
o Spanish/French: Combination of Live Mocha free French program, Usborne, Transparent Language Free FrenchBYKI free languages - select your language.
Okay! I'm all internet linked! Hope you enjoy! Let me know if you discover any messed up links. Thanks.
I love comments!
Bible:
o Awana’s;
o Continuing work on AOP 5th Grade Bible curriculum;
o Bible readings, singing of hymns, Bible memory verses
Math
o Horizons 6
Science:
My current plans are to do the Apologia Zoology, Parts 1, 2 and 3 (a kind friend loaned me books 2 and 3 today!). I figure we should be able to do all three, for a 6th grader, because they are somewhat easy, like younger grammar could do one or two in a year. Here they are:
o Apologia Flying Creatures of the 5th Day
o Apologia Swimming Creatures of the 5th Day; and
o Apologia Land Animals of the 6th Day.
o [I also own or else 6th Grade Abeka]
o I will supplement with Supercharged Science
o [I am hopeful that I might receive, to review as part of TOS Crew, a copy of Exploring Creation with Human Anatomy and Physiology or Physical Science to use next year!]
Social Studies:
o Tapestry of Grace Year 3 (1800’s)
Language Arts:
Literature:
o Tapestry of Grace, Year 3
Writing
o Tapestry of Grace, Year 3 (additional resources: Writing Aids; Write Source 2000
Penmanship:
o continuing in A Beka 4 Penmanship Mastery I (because we own it and he hasn't accomplished handwriting yet);
(Anyone have a copy of A Beka 5's Penmanship Mastery II they'd like to sell me for $5?)
Grammar:
o Easy Grammar;
o Daily Grams 6;
Spelling
o Combination of “Writing Road to Reading”, Spelling Power, and Natural Speller (Stout), particularly noting words he misspells, teaching him the spelling, and then systematic review.
o Big IQ Kids free Spelling and Vocabulary program, where I plug my words into their program and have my son use their program daily to learn his spelling words. Sounds like a great plan!
Vocabulary:
o Latin Roots: English from the Roots Up;
o Tapestry of Grace Year 3 vocabulary
o I think I also own A Beka Vocabulary -- I need to go check
o Big IQ Kids free Spelling and Vocabulary program - just went there today for the first time so not quite sure if I provide the words or if I have an option to use a list they provide, but I think they provide both options for free.
Music Appreciation:
o Harmony Art Mom's Art and Music Appreciation of the 1800's pages;
o various hymns, patriotic songs and folk songs throughout the year;
Art Appreciation:
o Harmony Art Mom's Art and Music Appreciation of the 1800's pages;
o A Beka Art C
Health:
A Beka combined with regular discussion and study;
Physical Education:
o Wii fit and additional activities: roller skating, gymnastics, trampoline, bike, etc. plus co-op classes;
Electives:
o Spanish/French: Combination of Live Mocha free French program, Usborne, Transparent Language Free FrenchBYKI free languages - select your language.
Okay! I'm all internet linked! Hope you enjoy! Let me know if you discover any messed up links. Thanks.
I love comments!
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Homeschooling for Free!
The purpose of this post is to show possible choices so a person can actually homeschool for free from their computer if they wish to/need to for financial reasons.
I will set up this post in a format of eight academic areas required by my state, with Bible added, as required by my homeschool umbrella. These represent a way to homeschool for free, but they are not meant to suggest that I am homeschooling this way. In another post I will outline how I am homeschooling.
BIBLE:
Bible Gateway or Audio Bible (KJV)
Bible reading Plans: Penny Gardner scripture highlights from Old or New Testament, or Bible Gateway
MATHEMATICS:
Curriculum Aid or Mathematics Enhancement Programme (MEP – UK)
SCIENCE:
Classic Science or Real Science for Kids
Vega Science
LANGUAGE ARTS:
Phonics: From Don Potter’s educational website: FREE DOWNLOAD: Word Mastery: A Course in Phonics for the First Three Grades by Florence Akin or Reading Made Easy with Blend Phonics for First Grade or How to Teach Phonics, or Through the Phonics Barrier: Student Manual or LEARN TO READ
Handwriting: This is a long section, so please bear with me. Where I live, the schools are no longer teaching cursive. Hunh? That makes no sense? The following is excerpted from Don Potter’s educational website:
"Peterson Handwriting: Good handwriting and good reading go together, both should be automated in order to free up the mind for good comprehension and creative composition. The Peterson Handwriting Company has done some highly sophisticated research into process of automated handwriting. Visit their web site at: Peterson Handwriting.
"They have published a REVIEW COPY of their entire program at: Handwriting – The Complete Program. This is a MUST read. Matthew McNatt has written that, “Just as well-taught writing can help students’ reading, poorly taught writing can hinder students’ reading.” Read his comments on the effectiveness of the Peterson Method at the McNatt Learning Center.
"Here is a link to the once famous Palmer Method (1915). I like this 1866 method by my namesake, S. A. Potter, Penmanship Explained. Sam Blumenfeld maintains that we should start children writing with Cursive First, just as everyone in America learned to write before 1923. I totally agree, especially since I was taught Cursive First when I began school in 1953. Here is a good link to some old handwriting methods: Nib.
"Here is the Zaner method of cursive handwriting and a lot of other school ideas from 1921: Zaner Penmanship. Public School Penmanship: A Handbook for Teachers. 1909. Manual of Free-hand Penmanship, 1877. How to Teach Writing, 1892. The Theory and Practice of Handwriting, 1897. This is a theoretical and practical book advocating vertical penmanship. Here is a very satisfactory handwriting method with complete details: Complete Manual of Commercial Penmanship, 1893. Teacher’s guide for the Palmer Method.
"Here is Dr. Robert Rose’s new book, Forget the Bell Curve. Mr. Rose maintains that early letter writing fluency is the key to early reading success.
"Still thinking of teaching printing? Okay, try A to Z’s Cool Homeschool Site or Head of the Class (create an account) or DonnaYoung.org"
Spelling: The Basic Cozy Spelling Course or Big IQ Kids or Spelling City or UK’s Phonic Spelling 1 (and a cool list of free downloads of tools and games) or Spell by Color
Grammar: Scott Foresman Writing and Grammar or The Big Book by English Banana -this page for a list of available pages or go here to download the full grammar book or English Grammar 101 or BBC UK or Grammar-Land by M. Nesbitt (soon) or Grammar-Land.com
Writing and composition: Five J’s .com or Scott Foresman Writing and Grammar or Old Fashioned Education or A to Z Home’s Cool
Literature: AmblesideOnline or Old Fashioned Education or Materamabilis – a Catholic Charlotte Mason Education
SOCIAL STUDIES:
Free one-year Curricula by Guest Hollow:
Ancient History
American History, Year 2
American Heritage free one-year American History
Mosaic Introduction to World History I: Myths, Maps & Marvels
K-12 World History for Us All
ART APPRECIATION: Ambleside Online – I am following the schedule (somewhat) posted on AmblesideOnline.org – for each 12-week term of the schoolyear we focus on artwork of one artist. Sometimes we read a biography of the artist spread out over the period.
Crafts for Kids
MUSIC APPRECIATION: Again, AmblesideOnline – they have a schedule for Composer study: Each term you listen to various works of the term’s assigned composer, and you can consider reading a biography of the composer spread out over the term.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION: A.C.E. Youth Fitness Program:
DOWNLOAD CURRICULUM
HEALTH:
KidsHealth
Nutrition Detectives (Dr. Katz)
*****************************************************
Khan Academy - free homeschooling
resources.
Dori's Tumble Through the Internet
*******************************************
Other Great Homeschooling Resources:
Marilyn Rocket
Donna Young
Homeschool Radio Shows
Homeschool Freebie of the Day
Click Schooling by Diane Flynn
ClickSchooling is an ezine that brings you one, F.R.E.E, web-based curriculum idea every day — Monday through Saturday!
You'll enjoy the daily recommendations (delivered directly to your email inbox) for educational and entertaining websites that help your kids learn.
Each day of the week is themed around a particular subject as follows:
•Monday is Math
•Tuesday is Science
•Wednesday is Language Arts
•Thursday is Social Sciences
•Friday is a Virtual Field Trip
•Saturday is for Music, Art, & Foreign Languages
We make every effort to recommend websites that have content that is appropriate for general audiences. However, all of ClickSchooling's recommendations assume that parents will preview the sites for suitable content, and then review the sites together with their children.
We will never sell, trade, barter or share your email address with anyone - ever.
To subscribe, just visit www.ClickSchooling.com and enter your name and email address in the subscription form on the home page.
********************************************
So, I think that’s everything I will list today. These are ways to homeschool for free, not necessarily sites I have used or approved. My goal was to show that you can homeschool at very little cost (computer, wireless connection, paper to print out). Gotta go.
Flymomma
I will set up this post in a format of eight academic areas required by my state, with Bible added, as required by my homeschool umbrella. These represent a way to homeschool for free, but they are not meant to suggest that I am homeschooling this way. In another post I will outline how I am homeschooling.
BIBLE:
Bible Gateway or Audio Bible (KJV)
Bible reading Plans: Penny Gardner scripture highlights from Old or New Testament, or Bible Gateway
MATHEMATICS:
Curriculum Aid or Mathematics Enhancement Programme (MEP – UK)
SCIENCE:
Classic Science or Real Science for Kids
Vega Science
LANGUAGE ARTS:
Phonics: From Don Potter’s educational website: FREE DOWNLOAD: Word Mastery: A Course in Phonics for the First Three Grades by Florence Akin or Reading Made Easy with Blend Phonics for First Grade or How to Teach Phonics, or Through the Phonics Barrier: Student Manual or LEARN TO READ
Handwriting: This is a long section, so please bear with me. Where I live, the schools are no longer teaching cursive. Hunh? That makes no sense? The following is excerpted from Don Potter’s educational website:
"Peterson Handwriting: Good handwriting and good reading go together, both should be automated in order to free up the mind for good comprehension and creative composition. The Peterson Handwriting Company has done some highly sophisticated research into process of automated handwriting. Visit their web site at: Peterson Handwriting.
"They have published a REVIEW COPY of their entire program at: Handwriting – The Complete Program. This is a MUST read. Matthew McNatt has written that, “Just as well-taught writing can help students’ reading, poorly taught writing can hinder students’ reading.” Read his comments on the effectiveness of the Peterson Method at the McNatt Learning Center.
"Here is a link to the once famous Palmer Method (1915). I like this 1866 method by my namesake, S. A. Potter, Penmanship Explained. Sam Blumenfeld maintains that we should start children writing with Cursive First, just as everyone in America learned to write before 1923. I totally agree, especially since I was taught Cursive First when I began school in 1953. Here is a good link to some old handwriting methods: Nib.
"Here is the Zaner method of cursive handwriting and a lot of other school ideas from 1921: Zaner Penmanship. Public School Penmanship: A Handbook for Teachers. 1909. Manual of Free-hand Penmanship, 1877. How to Teach Writing, 1892. The Theory and Practice of Handwriting, 1897. This is a theoretical and practical book advocating vertical penmanship. Here is a very satisfactory handwriting method with complete details: Complete Manual of Commercial Penmanship, 1893. Teacher’s guide for the Palmer Method.
"Here is Dr. Robert Rose’s new book, Forget the Bell Curve. Mr. Rose maintains that early letter writing fluency is the key to early reading success.
"Still thinking of teaching printing? Okay, try A to Z’s Cool Homeschool Site or Head of the Class (create an account) or DonnaYoung.org"
Spelling: The Basic Cozy Spelling Course or Big IQ Kids or Spelling City or UK’s Phonic Spelling 1 (and a cool list of free downloads of tools and games) or Spell by Color
Grammar: Scott Foresman Writing and Grammar or The Big Book by English Banana -this page for a list of available pages or go here to download the full grammar book or English Grammar 101 or BBC UK or Grammar-Land by M. Nesbitt (soon) or Grammar-Land.com
Writing and composition: Five J’s .com or Scott Foresman Writing and Grammar or Old Fashioned Education or A to Z Home’s Cool
Literature: AmblesideOnline or Old Fashioned Education or Materamabilis – a Catholic Charlotte Mason Education
SOCIAL STUDIES:
Free one-year Curricula by Guest Hollow:
Ancient History
American History, Year 2
American Heritage free one-year American History
Mosaic Introduction to World History I: Myths, Maps & Marvels
K-12 World History for Us All
ART APPRECIATION: Ambleside Online – I am following the schedule (somewhat) posted on AmblesideOnline.org – for each 12-week term of the schoolyear we focus on artwork of one artist. Sometimes we read a biography of the artist spread out over the period.
Crafts for Kids
MUSIC APPRECIATION: Again, AmblesideOnline – they have a schedule for Composer study: Each term you listen to various works of the term’s assigned composer, and you can consider reading a biography of the composer spread out over the term.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION: A.C.E. Youth Fitness Program:
DOWNLOAD CURRICULUMHEALTH:
KidsHealth
Nutrition Detectives (Dr. Katz)
*****************************************************
Khan Academy - free homeschooling
resources.
Dori's Tumble Through the Internet
*******************************************
Other Great Homeschooling Resources:
Marilyn Rocket
Donna Young
Homeschool Radio Shows
Homeschool Freebie of the Day
Click Schooling by Diane Flynn
ClickSchooling is an ezine that brings you one, F.R.E.E, web-based curriculum idea every day — Monday through Saturday!
You'll enjoy the daily recommendations (delivered directly to your email inbox) for educational and entertaining websites that help your kids learn.
Each day of the week is themed around a particular subject as follows:
•Monday is Math
•Tuesday is Science
•Wednesday is Language Arts
•Thursday is Social Sciences
•Friday is a Virtual Field Trip
•Saturday is for Music, Art, & Foreign Languages
We make every effort to recommend websites that have content that is appropriate for general audiences. However, all of ClickSchooling's recommendations assume that parents will preview the sites for suitable content, and then review the sites together with their children.
We will never sell, trade, barter or share your email address with anyone - ever.
To subscribe, just visit www.ClickSchooling.com and enter your name and email address in the subscription form on the home page.
********************************************
So, I think that’s everything I will list today. These are ways to homeschool for free, not necessarily sites I have used or approved. My goal was to show that you can homeschool at very little cost (computer, wireless connection, paper to print out). Gotta go.
Flymomma
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Gone Fishin'
So Flymama and family went fishing. We rented a boat and sat in the scorching sun for ...oh... six hours maybe... more or less.
Here's how things went. First, dear daughter B caught a little flounder:
Two photos, in case it is too hard to see the little fish. Sadly, the flounder has to be 17-1/2 inches long to keep, and this one wasn't, so we threw him back. We hadn't located the tape measure yet, so we didn't measure him, but maybe 13-16".
So, second, I... yes I... caught a lovely flounder:
Sadly, my fish was only 17", and I remind you the fish must be 17-1/2" long to keep, so ::sigh:: I threw him back. If you are wondering why I was so totally covered in clothes on a scorching day in late July, it is because I do not believe in sunburn. I've had my share, and I've given it up for the rest of my life to the best of my ability.
Okay, so next, B caught another little flounder:
Again, the fish must be 17-1/2" to keep, and this one wasn't, so we threw him back. (Are you seeing a trend here?)
So, back and forth it went, fish caught, fish released, fish caught, fish released, etc. All in all, we had a smashingly hot time, and carried away memories and photographs, but no fish.
So funny, but true, our only "Keeper" was caught by our youngest family member, JD:
We ate it for dinner on Wednesday night.
I can't tell you how many got away! We're saying the ones we didn't manage to get into the boat were ALL keepers, the ones that got away! :)
Here's how things went. First, dear daughter B caught a little flounder:
Two photos, in case it is too hard to see the little fish. Sadly, the flounder has to be 17-1/2 inches long to keep, and this one wasn't, so we threw him back. We hadn't located the tape measure yet, so we didn't measure him, but maybe 13-16".
So, second, I... yes I... caught a lovely flounder:
Okay, so next, B caught another little flounder:
So, back and forth it went, fish caught, fish released, fish caught, fish released, etc. All in all, we had a smashingly hot time, and carried away memories and photographs, but no fish.
So funny, but true, our only "Keeper" was caught by our youngest family member, JD:
We ate it for dinner on Wednesday night.
I can't tell you how many got away! We're saying the ones we didn't manage to get into the boat were ALL keepers, the ones that got away! :)
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Free Digital Issue of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine!
So, I just got word, which I want to share--The Old Schoolhouse Magazine's Summer 2011 edition is available to everyone for free! Amazing! Get your copy now, and enjoy!
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