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Yes, this post isn't meant to be serious. I've had a bit too much of serious lately and frankly I'm done with it at least for today. So let's talk about school zombies and how to avoid zombosis.
True zombosis or the creation of zombies in a school setting can be avoided quite easily by not allowing any zombies into your home. Barricades can be effective but prevention is the best option.
Secondary zombosis or the illusion of having zombies in your school is another story. If your child begins to exhibit zombie like symptoms such as moving stiffly, blankly staring out the window without acknowledgment or comprehension of a lesson and grunting for responses you might have a school zombie to contend with. There are actually quite a few things these symptoms could be attributed to so it is best to start with a list of questions.
1. Is your child getting enough sleep?
2. Have you had your child checked for allergies?
3. Is your child a preteen or teen?
4. Do you live in an area where there are ticks and mosquitoes?
5. Did your child attend PE recently?
6. Is your child exhibiting any other symptoms or strange behaviors-fevers, chewing on nails (fingernails) etc.?
7. Have there been any significant dietary changes? Especially look for an increased appetite for iron containing foods and protein.
Zombie Optional Lessons
If you have determined that you have a zombie and have been unable to pinpoint a cause and thus a treatment plan you may have to adjust your lesson plans.
First, present lessons when they are most likely to be active. Even if they are moving slowly, they may still eat up the information and retain it. Second, take them outside. Actually, take them on as many field trips as possible. Trust me, you can't go wrong with a good field trip. Look for field trips that hand out samples if possible.
That is all I have for now. Try not to let zombosis get you down.
Happy Homeschooling!
JulieD
Today, I start the new challenge. This is the Z-A in May challenge. Yes, I didn't finish the last challenge which was A-Z in April. My response is that it is okay to try again, start again or just keep going. I will be starting again but this time with the letter "Z".
Be back soon with a "Z" post!
Happy Homeschooling!
JulieD
If you are considering homeschooling there are things you "need to know". In fact, you may believe that there are more things that you need to know than can possibly be put into a blog post. Indeed there are probably books written on what you "need to know" in order to homeschool. Therefore, I'm going to approach this a little differently. I'm going to make it short and easy. Of course, this is just my humble opinion.
Need to Know #1: Priorities
The number one thing I recommend that you need to know in order to homeschool is to know your priorities. Why do you want to homeschool? What subjects do you feel are the most or least important? Will you be able to teach those subjects or will you need help? Can you accept help? Why are those subjects important to you? How important is your faith? Do you have the time, patience, persistence and energy to adequately provide an education or is this a project or a temporary fix to another problem? What is the most important thing that you want to teach to your child?
There are no right or really wrong answers but it is important to know your priorities because they will influence how you approach teaching your child(ren). Also, your priorities will influence every homeschooling choice you will need to make from curriculum to extracurricular activities. I suggest that you know what you want for your child, whether it is realistic or not (not that it makes a difference but so that you will know how much you will have to work at it) and your level of commitment. Know what is important to you for your child's education. What are your educational priorities?
Need to Know #2: Nothing Else
If your priorities are right, if you have determined that homeschooling is the best option for your child's education and if you understand the "whys" and the commitment and you are still willing to homeschool then there is nothing else you will need to know to start homeschooling.
Everything else is available, accessible or attainable either on the internet, in your local community or through online sources. By knowing your priorities you will have taken the first step in the right direction. Just keep on the path of doing "what is best" for your child's education. If homeschooling is that option-
Happy Homeschooling!
JulieD
In math when you raise a number to the power of one you get that number. You do remember that, right? If not, don't worry you can brush up on algebra basics at Math.com, if necessary.
Oh, and if you are clicking away right now because you think this post is going to be about math-wait, don't go! I don't even feel like thinking about math today and I certainly don't want to write about it. I like math but there are some days I really don't want to go there. What I am going to address in this particular blog is the "Power of One" in respect to homeschooling. I might have some advice or links or something interesting but you'll never know if you click away...so don't go yet. Read on!
Student "Power of One"
A couple of years ago, I ended up in a discussion about homeschooling at the State Fair with a man at the state education booth. His wife worked in the public schools. As we discussed the validity of our individual perspectives he mentioned a family member that homeschooled that would stand behind their child while testing and say things like, "Are you sure you want to answer that way? Think about it a little more." You get the idea-the mom was prompting her child to think before answering.
He implied that this invalidated the testing and homeschooling by default.
For some time after this, that particular part of the conversation irked me. What bothered me was the blanket assumptions he made and to a degree the partial truth in what he said.
To me learning is a process that takes time and repetition and one test neither confirms or validates that the material has been learned or mastered. If a child is tested repeatedly, especially in rote-like materials, during the initial tests/assignments there indeed may be prompting but that is only a potential problem if the prompting is ongoing without the student learning. In comparison to a public school system, I ask, "How much do the parents help with homework lessons and papers?" I've seen or heard about parents completing their child's work so that their child can be involved in activities or get some sleep. Neither system is perfect if the student doesn't learn the material.
The "power of one" message then is that the student should do the work. The student should be the one learning the subject not how to get out of it or how to get the answer from the teacher/parent. There are times when helping is a necessary part of the educational equation but ultimately the student is the one who should do the work and take the tests. If help is needed during a test, then the teacher should go over that material again and retest.
Teacher "Power of One"
When I first began homeschooling, sigh, I was not good at teaching. I lacked patience and had extremely high expectations. After I tripped over those hurdles and many others, I struggled with organization and balancing life with homeschooling. I became better over the years but the biggest hurdle to making progress in the beginning was the "I am their teacher. I must know it all, do it all and be all because I am their teacher-mom" attitude. While it is true, I am their teacher, in order to be successful in homeschooling, I needed help from others. I needed to accept and give help and in doing so I raised myself to the power of one. In the end, I am still just me doing my thing but the power is in one helping one.
Faith "Power of One"
Many days, I felt alone. I did not know where or who to turn to for help or even if there was anyone I could trust. In those times, I turned to God. He has always been there, answered my pleas and encouraged me. What's even better is that He is still there for me and for you. He is my ultimate "Power of One." He is constantly teaching me, teaching my children and answering our needs. And...lol...sometimes He is standing behind me asking, "Are you sure you want to do that?"
"Student, Teacher, Faith" Power of O
One of the best things I have done with homeschooling is to teach my children how to bake/cook (The Joy of Cooking Homeschool Style). During Lent my children and I and several other wonderful people bake goods for the fish fries. This is the last Friday we will be baking for Lent this year and I must admit, my kids can bake!
Recently, someone said to me, "I heard your son is really good at baking." I then asked, where did you hear that?" To which he responded, "Your daughter when she told me she could bake, too!"
I then turned to my husband and said, "They get that from me." He implied I wasn't being exactly modest about it, now was I?
After thinking about it a little, my response to this is "It was me who taught them how to read. It was me who taught them the difference between "t" and "T". It was me who insisted they follow directions (Math..ugg) But most importantly, it was me who bought the cookbooks!" Yes, they get their ability to bake from me!
Mmmmmm....yes, the homeschool lifestyle is good, very good!
Hope you enjoyed this homeschool humor moment!
Happy Homeschooling!
JulieDD
Biology has always been one of my favorite subjects. This morning, I witnessed the miracle of my kitty having babies. In fact, she even let me hold her while she was having contractions and right up the the very last seconds before the kittens started arriving. It was an incredible and amazing thing to witness-life!
So in honor of the new kittens, tentatively named Larry, Mo and Curly. lol (tentatively-don't even know what they are yet-still being attended to by mommy kitty) I will post biology resources and links today.
Biology News Net and Science News Great places to read about what is currently happening in the fields of science and biology.
An online interactive resource for learning about biology from the University of Arizona: The Biology Project
The Biology Corner-resources for teachers including handouts, worksheets and dissection photos and more including videos and coloring pages. Great biology resource site!
How about watching a cow's eye dissection from Exploratorium.
Did you check out the pig dissection photos from The Biology Corner and want to explore the topic further...Virtual Pig Dissection has study guides and quizzes.
I'm going to check on the little ones now...they are so cute! This picture was taken right after the second one was born. The third kitten is mostly dark tan colored. Adorable!
I'm going to guess that most people reading this blog already know what I'm going to say, "We all don't learn things in the same way."
Kinesthetic learners learn by being physically involved with learning. This is vastly different from the way I learn so I find it fascinating and intriguing. I also, recognize the value of having resources for homeschoolers who may have a child who learns primarily in this fashion.
Kinesthetic Learner Characteristics
Kinesthetic Learner Characteristics
Kinesthetic Learners
Kinesthetic Learners Links
The Fine Line Between ADHD and Kinesthetic Learners
About Learning Styles
Visual, Auditory, Kinesthetic Learners
Teach and Learn Tips for Kinesthetic Learners
Study Tips for Kinesthetic Learners
Tactile-Kinesthetic Learners
Kinesthetic Learners
Study Guide Zone Kinesthetic Learners
Happy Homeschooling!
JulieDD
The phrase "Just do it!" has become a bit of phrase of annoyance in our homeschool, but I'm not really sure why it bothers my children. In fact, if I even begin saying, "just" they are likely to start objecting.
Granted I should give them a bit of courtesy and throw in a please or two but sometimes things JUST need to get done and quick without complaining, whining or procrastination. Today's links will focus on resources to deal with procrastination.
Why do they procrastinate?
Why Kids Procrastinate and How to Help
How to Help
The Now Habit-Dealing With Procrastination Review (Good starting tips)
and from Bottom Line Secrets
How to Deal With a Procrastinator When You're a Do-It-Nower
From Family Education
Help Your Child Beat Procrastination
From Psychology Today
Don't Delay Parenting Style and Procrastination
Time for me to get some things done! I do need to be a good example, after-all.
Happy Homeschooling!
JulieDD
Ok. Ice cream is another one of those things I love but how can I justify ice cream as a topic on a homeschool resource blog? Hmmmm.
Well, according to Houston Examiner, today, April 12th is Tax Day and from noon to 8p.m. Ben & Jerry's are having a free cone day. Here, it is a beautiful spring day and I would recommend a field trip to the park or a nature hike followed with a treat from Ben & Jerry's. Only problem is we don't have a Ben & Jerry's anywhere nearby. :(
However, I did find a few educational resources based on ice cream! Maybe, we should make some ice cream. I like that idea!
Science
Ice Cream Science
Ice Cream Food Science
Chemistry in the Kitchen: The Science Behind Ice Cream
Making Ice Cream
History
The History of Ice Cream
The Story of Ice Cream
Language Arts Studies
3rd grade ice cream center activity
Ice Cream Dream Activities Packet
Ice Cream Stand (scroll down the page) Finance and Economics
Fun
Girls Love Ice Cream
That's it for today.
Happy Homeschooling!
JulieDD
Yep, unless you actually do know everything you might need some resources to help with homework or with explaining something. There's no shame it that...just admit and check out the resources below. It will be fine-trust me, I know.
Infoplease Homework Center (By Subject)
Homework Spot (By School Levels)
Math.com
Free Student Resources from Discovery Education
Happy Homeschool
JulieDD
One thing to consider when homeschooling is the topic of grades. How do you grade participation or mastery of a subject if you don't test your children? How will you determine final grades and grades to put on a transcript? Where can you find report card guidelines or templates? Grades are often subjective but some courses, such as math, lend themselves to straightforward grading techniques, therefore I am going to let you decide which grading sites will help you the most. See links and short descriptions below.
Grading Guidelines for High School Credit from HSLDA. This article focuses on the importance of grades, examples of how to grade and take a weighted average.
How to Give Homeschool Grades An excellent and thorough Squidoo page which covers or links to helpful pages on the topic of homeschool grading.
Keeping Records of Grades from Donna Young Great site for templates, forms, transcripts, grading logs...oh just check it out-I think you'll like it.
Homeschool Views To Grade or not to Grade Short but informative article
Keeping Homeschool Grades from Dummies.com
Closing Thoughts
I've never really been one to rely on grades as an accurate reflection of how much my child has learned. I would like my children to master the subjects we study. However, there are times when testing and giving a grade-whatever that grade turns out to be is just the best way to go. The beauty of homeschooling is in its flexibility to all things educational.
Happy Homeschooling!
JulieDD
Free is good, right? I like free, especially free homeschoool resources. That's what I'll be looking for and posting today.
Free Curriculum
A great list of curricular resources from the Well Trained Mind Forum
Catholic based curriculum at Mater Amabilis -note they are currently reorganizing and a few links didn't work when I clicked on them but the higher levels worked fine.
Successful Homeschooling provides a good to explore different free or free in connection with public schools.
Middle School offers links to sites for frugal and free homeschool curriculum swaps and boards.
Free Homeschool Stuff
A list from the College of Central Florida for free math and language worksheets
Free high school level English and grammar worksheets from McDaniel College
Free Music Theory Worksheets from G major Music Theory
While not all free, still a great list of Best Spanish Websites from the University of Northern Iowa
and I'm going to wind this up with an eclectic collection of resources from Homeschool.com.
Enjoy!
Happy homeschooling!
JulieDD
A big part of any science experiment or even in making a hypothesis or coming to a conclusion in a study involves observation.
An observation activity that I feel is enjoyable and can lead to a life-long hobby and learning experience is bird watching. As a child, I would often ride my bike or jog to a nearby river and watch the eagles. They were majestic in size and movement and fascinating to watch, especially when they would swoop down into the river and emerge with a fish.
Right now, as I look out my window, I am watching visiting ducks and a large heron as they search for food in our shallow but rain swollen pond. The ducks return here every year and for a few weeks we watch them as they nest, feast and raise their young. Then one day they are gone. I will miss them if we have to move.
This cycle of life on our farm has led to discussions about birds in general, bird identification, migration, environmental influences on birds and endangered species. My children have also done bird lapbooks and built birdhouses. From eagles to the tiny hummingbird, chickens and guinea hens, birds have provided us with a variety of educational experiences.
So today-bird studies, lapbooks, and anything else I find interesting that relates to birds. Enjoy!
Bird Lapbooks
Backyard Birds from Homeschool Share (Great templates!)
Owl Lapbook and Resources from Lapbook Lessons
Bird Mini Books from Notebook Learning
Bird Information
Birds from Homeschool on a Shoestring
Birds from A Birds World
Bird Watching/Observation
National Wildlife Refuge System (Find one near you)
The Great Backyard Bird Count
Bird Watching Activities for Kids from TLC
Birding With Children from Bird Watching.com
Bird Watching for Kids from A Home for Wild Birds
Hope you are inspired to find some binoculars and go for a walk outside to watch some birds.
Happy Homeschooling!
JulieDD
"Dear Diary", "Once upon a time" and "It was a dark and stormy night," are all cliche-like beginnings to writing projects, yet I kind of get intrigued by them. I want to read more or hear more because somehow I think I'm going to hear/read a really great story. Today's links will be to sites for writing prompts for kids, hopefully the prompts will help students to want to write a great story, engage their imaginations and open doors that will intrigue their readers.
Think It Ink It -wordless stories that kids can write the words to and have published. Awesome!
You do have to register and can purchase the books.
From Free Writing Center is a collection of prompts: 5 Useful Websites With Writing Prompts for Kids
These link to sites with free writing prompts.
A Goldmine of Journal Writing Prompts for Kids squidoo page has a nice collection of about 17 links to writing prompts.
At Journal Buddies, I found 13 Exciting, Innovative Writing Prompts for Kids + 9 Bonus Creative Journaling Ideas. Another great collection of prompts.
Lesson Tutor provides prompts based on Senses.
Hope you find the homeschool help you are looking for and/or enjoy the blog, posts and links.
Happy homeschooling!
JulieD
Technical Note: During April, as I am writing for a blogging challenge, I will not update the blog pages until May. However, the pages are organized by subject (links at the top of the page) so if you are looking for something in particular you may be able to find specific topic related information that way.
I suppose I might be stretching it a little to write about chocolate on a homeschool resource blog but I love chocolate. It is my belief that anything can be used to create an educational experience. So today I will go and seek out chocolate edu-moments online and I will share with you what I find. I however, will not likely share my chocolate. lol
Apparently, I am not alone in my beliefs....that's cool!
RESEARCH
A very small study suggests that chocolate can help with math, according to an article written by Kate Devlin at The Telegraph.
BOOKS
Of course, there are the popular counting and multiplication and other math fun with M&M's books.
MATH Again
Then how about the Chocolate Math Mystery from the Culture of Chemistry blog. Though I didn't test it and one of the comments suggest that it will only work in 2009-which of course, we are not in 2009 anymore but this demonstrates a creative educational use for chocolate. So it stays in the blog.
SCIENCE
How could anyone resist checking out Discovering the Sweet Mysteries of Chocolate from Neuroscience for Kids?
HISTORY
How about researching some chocolate history-I think that is research I could enjoy!
Exploring Online: The Sweet Lure of Chocolate
WRITING/ENGLISH
Need a topic for your students to write about that is cross curricular try this- Chocolate and Slavery Child Labor in Cote d'Ivoire.
Well I think I have proved my point-now I think I'll go see if I have any chocolate milk...doesn't that sound good right about now.
I'll be back soon with the "D" post. Hope you'll come back for more fun with the A-Z Blog Challenge.
JulieD
I'm back! Day 2 of the A-Z challenge and I have another post.
"B" is for Beasts
As I look back over all of the subjects we covered in our homeschool and the topics and projects I think the one topic that fascinated everyone the most was the beasts of myths and mythology. So today, I'm going to leave you for a few minutes and look for a resource that I hope will inspire you to include a section on mythology in your studies. Be right back...(see how I'm using all those "B" words...I'm funny like that. lol)
Oh this is a good one-Myth Man (love it-perhaps I should have saved this for "M")
Myth Mans Award-Winning Homework Help Beasts and Creatures
Here is another one I like-it is more list like than the first and it is a Wiki but never-the-less a good introduction to a wide variety of mythical beasts.
Mythical Creatures & Beasts Wiki
Moving on.."B" is for Biology. Biology is one of those high school subjects some tend to shy away from wanting to teach. Not me-I love science and science web sites.
One of my favorites for online educational videos
Kahn Academy-Biology
Of course every great biology class must have dissections-no...don't say ewwww...check it out
online dissections!
And to wrap this up "B" is for Beginners
Recently, I wrote a fun A-Z article that is full of quips and tips that beginning homeschoolers might enjoy and I hope you will check it out. Well actually, it is two articles but I guess if you don't like the first one and its humor you don't have to read the second one. :)
The ABC's of Homeschooling: Advice, Quips and Crazy Stuff Part One
The ABC's of Homeschooling: Advice, Quips and Crazy Stuff Part Two
Happy Homeschooling!!
This post and most of the posts this month will be written as part of a challenge. The challenge is to post daily except for Sundays and each day to write about a word that starts with the corresponding letter of the day. Today's letter is "A" and the word I pick is "Alphabet".
I realize that isn't very original but it is late and I don't want to drop out of the challenge after the first day. So today I will post resources for learning and/or teaching the alphabet.
Ever wonder about the origin of the alphabet, on this site you will find a chart with an explanation on the transgression and formation of the alphabet.
I love stories so this cute and short story-like approach to the alphabet I find to be cute and short enough to keep a small child's attention.
One more site-first school offers a wide range of printable games, activities and worksheets related to the alphabet.
Enjoy!
Recently, I joined a group online called the Homeschool Buyers Co-op. It was free to join. What the co-op offers is a chance to join with other homeschoolers who are purchasing curriculum to try to get better prices with purchasing power. I would have loved to have something like this when I was first starting out with homeschooling. I spent countless hours trying to find good deals on appropriate and good curricular materials.
One in particular,that I wanted to get a few years ago was the Weekly Reader.
At that time I couldn't afford the subscription and looked for alternative materials. However, just last week the co-op offered an opportunity to power purchase Weekly Reader through the co-op.
As I haven't had a need for curriculum this year, I haven't purchased anything through the co-op so I can't say much on the intricate workings of the co-op but I thought I'd mention the opportunity. I think it is a great idea and if I was just starting out I would definitely be more active on the co-op.
Happy Homeschooling!
Oh, if you join the co-op let me know how you like it.
I get really excited when I find great resources for homeschoolers, especially if they are for FRRRREEE. Ok, I love that line from the movie Bedtime Stories but I'll try not to overuse it.
Today, I stumbled across a website that has several free downloads and one of them is The Phonetic Reader by Charles W. Deane. It reminds me of the McGuffey's Eclectic Readers.
The site does require a free registration. However, it is a wonderful site packed with inspiration and resources. I definitely think The Christian Homeschool Hub is worth checking out. Once registered you can access the download page for The Phonetic Reader.
Hope you are enjoying your day!
Having a rough day or two or are you not able to get through the lesson or explain it to your child so that she/he can understand it? I've had several of those days lately. However, I did come across an amazing site that has been more than helpful and even better it is all free.
The site is called Khan Academy. I don't know why I always think about Star Trek when I think of this site... but I do. Perhaps because it is a very logical, scientific and useful site and way cool!
Anyways, this site contains a multitude of links to videos. It is organized by subject and the videos load quickly and are of a high quality. The teacher explains the concepts quickly and in an enjoyable manner.
It is a growing open source project on a mission of providing a world class education to anyone or everyone. I admire the creators of this site that want to create a free classroom for the world! Thank you, Khan Academy.
You may have noticed that I haven't posted in about a week or so, just to let you know I didn't forget to blog, I was on a mini vacation. I went to the city of San Antonio, Texas.
Cities are great places to visit. They have museums and zoos and events and it would be difficult to even name all of the educational and fun things to do.
This week I think I will focus on vacations and vacation destinations and I will start with San Antonio. Two places to visit in San Antonio that are fun to visit and educational are the Witte Museum and the San Antonio Zoo. Of course, there are many other amazing places to check out in San Antonio but these are two that I have visited personally and enjoyed.
The Witte Museum gives glimpses into the art, science and history of Texas. With indoor and outdoor exhibits and free Tuesday admissions this is a great way to spend an afternoon in San Antonio.
The San Antonio Zoo is relatively new and there is still some construction going on in the African area. My favorite part of this zoo was the butterfly exhibit. I felt the dollar fee was well spent. One truly awesome animal to see is the rare Okapi. My daughter enjoyed the Komodo dragons and the tigers and the crocodiles.
Happy homeschooling!
JulieDD
We're going on a trip and will be traveling through Arkansas. Might be fun to learn some facts about different states.
So let's start with Arkansas! From US 50 we can learn quite a bit about Arkansas.
Here is a lesson plan from Arkansas Geography Learning Through Map Analysis
I've always loved music played on an acoustic guitar and I keep trying to learn how to play the guitar. Every year I make a little more progress.
Guitar Lessons
Guitar Masters Classics provides lessons by level. I'll be checking this site out more.
Time for music!
JulieDD
Today's proud moment: My son signed up to be a writer for an online writing website. Writing, teaching writing, learning writing and writing skills have been challenging over the years. I did find a program that worked for us. The reason it worked is because it broke down the difficult parts of writing into manageable and understandable methods and chunks of information. The presenter was entertaining and fun to listen to and he spoke about teaching writing. Ideally, I was supposed to listen/watch the videos and then incorporate the methods into the lessons but as it happened we all listened and worked on incorporating the material into our writings.
While this program worked for us it may not work for everyone. I think it is important to look for programs or strategies that work for you.
I do also have to note that I am not affiliated with the program I am about to suggest other than being a user of the program, which I purchased.
The program we found the most helpful for learning how to write was by the Institute of Excellence in Writing.
On the website you will find a great deal of helpful and free information to explore this program and see if it will work for you.
Other writing strategies to consider:
Teaching That Makes Sense has good practical ideas and approaches to teaching and learning how to write.
University at Buffalo offers writing strategies for K-12.
Happy homeschooling-learning and teaching.
JulieDD
Today I designate as random topic day. I asked my children for suggestions and my son volunteered, "Why do rocks move in the desert?" He then showed me a picture from the book he was reading which indeed showed the path a rock had moved in the desert. This was followed by a brief discussion about reasons why the rock may have moved. What do think caused the rock to move in the desert?
Found this site on Exploring the North American Deserts and Desert Environments and Geology
Another site geared towards learning about deserts is Desert Biome.
If you think you know the answer about the moving rock, leave a comment. I would love to hear from you.
Happy Homeschooling!
JulieDD
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Thanks for taking this opportunity to discuss this, I feel fervently about this and I like learning about this subject.Free Credit Score