Big things have happened this week.
1. The realization that my kid learns differently than I thought, and that she’s a visual-spatial learner. This has prompted me to research right-brained learning and come up with ideas on how to best “teach” my kid.
2. We’ve tossed reading and writing out the window. Kind of. For the past year we’ve been trying to get Kiddo to read phonetically and while she knows what all the letters say, she just couldn’t put them together and her reading has stalled. Now knowing that she most likely would learn better by sight reading, that’s the route we’re taking. We now have a sight word door and each week she’ll have a new group of five words. So far it’s working WONDERFULLY. And writing? Unless she’s doing it on her own terms, she hates it. She already knows […]
Original post by mar
Bringing Up Learners is offering a comprehensive world history curriculum free to download. I checked it out and it looks thorough, diverse, interesting and fun. There are fun read-aloud books, poems to memorize, maps, activities, world religions, myths and several history books that are used as spines.
You can even choose whether to download the one that teaches prehistory and evolution or one that skips it, along with choosing which history book to use as the main spine (Story of the World or A Little History of the World).
It lists what you’ll need for each week, along with day by day lesson plans and schedules to fill out the rest of your plans for the day. The author also points out that it’s meant to be used loosely, so you can pick and choose which elements to use.
The plan does rely on a number of books that you’ll need to either […]
Original post by Alicia
My 9 year old daughter, T, has been wanting me to “do a real horse-study” with her for over a year now, and finally, we have begun. Yes, today, on Friday, at the end of the week we’ve officially begun our study, a bit earlier than I’d planned. *smiles* But she is so ready and was literally begging to start this afternoon. After having her wait for over a year to start, I didn’t want her to have to wait any longer… especially now that with this guide, she really needs minimal direction from me anyhow.
Our study guide, History of the Horse: A Literature Approach to Equine History arrived in the mail yesterday. She was ecstatic and had been perusing it since it got here, savoring it… has all of the other books for the study all stacked up neatly in a pile, awaiting their turn to be called upon […]
Original post by Beth
Our 9 year old daughter, T, has been wanting me to “do a real horse-study” with her for months now, and finally, we have begun. Yes, today, on Friday, at the end of the week we’ve officially started our study. *smiles* She is so ready and was literally begging to start this afternoon, rather than waiting until next week . Our study guide, Beautiful Feet’s History of the Horse: A Literature Approach to Equine History arrived in the mail yesterday. I’ve admired it for years, knowing that eventually we’d get it and dive in together.
T was/is ecstatic and has been perusing it since it got here, savoring it… has all of the other books for the study all stacked up neatly in a pile, awaiting their turn to be called upon for use/reading in the study. After having her already waiting for practically a year to start, I didn’t want […]
Original post by Beth
Essentially, we’re going to be concentrating on historical fiction covering early American history (Jamestown through the 49ers), but I’m also putting in children’s versions of important literature that was published during that time frame - i.e., The Three Musketeers, The Jungle Book.
We already have a number of books. I made a list of books I wanted to try to find at the used bookstore, and found several, and then I added the books we already owned. It adds up to quite a few books. On the one hand, Gillian is a good reader; on the other hand, I don’t want to overwhelm her. In general, we’ll read some books more ‘in-depth’ and perhaps do three to four book reports over the course of the year. There’s a mix of picture books, short chapter books, and long chapter books in what we have. Finally, I’ve already decided that some books will […]
Original post by patchfire
I just love this time of year… getting outside, gardening, newness of life everywhere, renewed vision as I take stock of where we’ve been in the last year, overall as a family and particularly the kids and I with our academic studies. I remind myself that the most important lessons we’ve learned in the prior “school year” (although we homeschool year-round) weren’t planned, and usually aren’t immediately visible in any of my records or papers anywhere, for it’s the spiritual lessons and deepening of our souls that matter most. I say “our” because I’m learning right along-side of my children, every single day.
As I shuffle through old schedules and plans from last year, I have to fight off discouragement, seeing all that is left undone… I’m looking to the Lord for my direction in the year(s) to come, trying to discern what I can do to better facilitate my childrens’ […]
Original post by Beth
I’ve been lurking over at the WTM boards again… they suck me in more than I would like to admit, from time to time.
At any rate, there have been a spate of posts recently about planning - how people do it, what people keep in their own “teacher notebook” and so forth. I’ve never really been content with how I had things planned. I either had computer files or handwritten notes, but I never have managed to keep it all in one place, and since I made my schedules dependent on dates, it was too easy to need to scrap the whole thing before the school year was even a fourth done.
One of the posts I read gave me an idea, though. Schedule 180 days, and number the days. Then, if we’re “off schedule,” I have to redo exactly one schedule, the one that shows what date corresponds to […]
Original post by patchfire
It never ceases to thrill me to see my name on the cover of a new book on Amazon. Great Medieval Projects is now available for pre-order.
Original post by paradisefound
“Social Justice cannot be attained by violence. Violence kills what it intends to create.”
- Pope John Paul II address to workers in San Paolo, Brazil 1980
A few links to share on this day:
* Ways to Celebrate MLK Day - Newsweek
* In His Own Words: Martin Luther King Jr. Quotes - Encarta
Josh and I will also be reading and discussing articles from the Washington Post, The New York Times and AlterNet News relating Dr. King and his ideas to current events such as the presidential race nominations and the impact of his ideas today.
Original post by lvbirders
Recently I came across this blog, Punctuality Rules! Josh and I have been enjoying using it in our grammar studies. I absolutley love her wit. A little bit about the blog, as stated on her home page:
A blog devoted to writing, grammar, good manners, and basically trying to save Civilization, one punctuation mark at a time.
Original post by lvbirders
“Beginning Your Journey,” by Karen M. Gibson http://www.leapingfromthebox.com/art/kmg/beginningjourney.html
“That Dreaded “S” Word,” by Sarah A. McUmber-House — But what about socialization?http://www.angelfire.com/mo/sasschool/socialization.html
“10 Ways to Ease into Homeschooling,” by Carolyn Morrison http://guiltfreehomeschooling.blogspot.com/2007/08/10-ways-to-ease-into-homeschooling.html
“Home School Burnout and How to Avoid It,” by Ellyn Davis http://www.homeschoolmarketplace.com/e-zines/ejournalmar0806.htm
“The Six-Lesson Schoolteacher,” by John Taylor Gatto – jaded view of what the public school really teaches http://www.cantrip.org/gatto.html
“Are You Missing Something,” by Martin & Carolyn Forte – What happens if you forget to teach something?http://www.excellenceineducation.com/are_you_missing_something.php
“The Baby Is the Lesson,” by Diane Hopkins – Christian perspective on homeschooling w/young children http://www.lovetolearn.net/policies/baby.lasso
“Tidal Homeschooling,” by Melissa Wiley – a style somewhere between Charlotte Mason & unschooling http://melissawiley.typepad.com/bonnyglen/2006/01/tidal_homeschoo.html
Homeschool Facts websitehttp://www.homeschoolfacts.com/index.php
Original post by niche
You Are Your Child’s First Teacher , by Rahima Baldwin Dancy
Playful Learning: An Alternate Approach to Preschool, by Anne Engelhardt
Fun with the Family Colorado, 5th (Fun with the Family Series), by Doris Kennedy
Learning All the Time, by John Holt?A fine work that discusses profound approaches to teaching and learning
The Read-Aloud Handbook: Sixth Edition (Read-Aloud Handbook), by Jim Trelease
Honey for a Child’s Heart, by Gladys Hunt
Books Children Love: A Guide to the Best Children’s Literature, by Elizabeth Wilson
Family Matters: Why Homeschooling Makes Sense, by David Guterson A?great intro to homeschooling, and some of the reasons to consider it
The Three R’s, by Dr. Ruth Beechick (An Easy Start in Arithmetic, A Strong Start in Language, A Home Start in Reading)
You Can Teach Your Child Successfully: Grades 4-8, by Dr. Ruth Beechick
Discover Your Child’s Learning Style: Children Learn in Unique Ways - Here’s the Key to Every Child’s Learning Success, by Mariaemma Willis […]
Original post by niche
Looking for inspiration?? Need to get remotivated. Grab a warm cuppa something yummy and peruse these resources.
Some homeschool magazines to peruse when the kids are quiet for 5 minutes.?
Lovely homeschool books to spend a quiet rainy day with…Send the kids to the zoo with Dad and call it a teacher inservice day.
Grab your laptop and refuel with these web articles while your kiddo finishes their math.
Original post by niche
Yes, it’s cleaning time at Homeschool in Longmont. And I found a few treasures that my boy doesn’t like. I thought I’d give a few of them away on-line. First, let me mention my other giveaway over at Longmont Homeschool group (yes, I have too many blogs).
Here at Niche Homeschool Group, I’m giving away TREND ENTERPRISES T-36005 PUZZLE WHAT GOES TOGETHER? This is a simple 2 piece puzzle game of things that go together such as a dog and a bone, a fish and a bowl. This game is in crisp condition. It’s just not my boy’s style. My girl would have loved it when she was younger. And apparently (since I have 2 of these darn things), I assumed that my boy would like them too.
So, if you’re interested in winning this great learning resource, just post a comment below with your website or blog address so I can contact you if you win (is there an […]
Original post by niche
I was in a bad mood. My son was in a bad mood. The Fairy, however, was determined to have a wonderous day of school.
It all started over breakfast while reading about Richard the Lionheart. As usual, our breakfast history reading results in mommy’s rant about how to parent warring countries (see this post for details). Today, however, the Fairy decided to take the high road. “Mommy”, she says “this reminds me of the Valley of Vengance”. The Valley of Vengance is from a book called A Barrel of Laughs, A Vale of Tears. Very cute. Very different. I highly suggest you read it!
So, in the Valley of Vengance, everyone is getting revenge on everyone else and nobody really knows why they are fighting, but nobody is willing to stop the cycle. Yes! Thank You! My daughter is very astute to see that this is so much like our warring […]
Original post by cohsmama
Ahhh, history. Nothing like history to teach your children to war with their neighbors and just otherwise behave badly. We do love studying history though. We read Story of the World over breakfast and then picture books during lessons.
So, recently, we’ve been reading about the Crusades and all the other bad behavior surrounding Jerusalem. Well, my mommy’s heart can’t resist tossing out a little parenting lesson. It goes a little something like this…
”Alright” In my best parenting voice, “If you two (the Muslim army and the Christian army) can’t get along over Jerusalem, then I will put Jerusulem away. Nobody can have Jerusalem. And, if you can’t get play nice with Jerusalem when you get it back, I’ll just throw it away. You KNOW I will. I threw away Atlantis and I threw away Brigadoon. Don’t you think for a second that I won’t throw away Jeruselem because you know I […]
Original post by cohsmama
Robin recently mentioned that she’s going to be using my book, Great Colonial America Projects You Can Build Yourself to supplement her upcoming unit on colonial America. I just thought I’d mention that the book is available as a FREE download, here. Seriously. Free. What are you waiting for?
Original post by paradisefound
“Please. Put down the book for awhile and get some fresh air!”
I’ve said that to each of my boys more times than I can possibly recall. So, I was happy to read this over at Jen Robinson’s Book Page.
Original post by paradisefound
Join author
Susan Wittig Albert
Cottage Tales Series
Discussing the use of fictional books
in homeschooling & education
Tuesday November 13
www.lvbirders.homeschooljournal.net
Joshua and I are very excited and honored to have been invited to be a stop on Susan Wittig Albert’s blog tour of her newest book in her Cottage Tale Series, The Tale of Hawthorn House.
We will be hosting Susan here on this blog on Tuesday, November 13 and she will be discussing with us her thoughts on the use of fiction literature, such as her Cottage Tale Series, in homeschooling and education.
I […]
Original post by lvbirders
Join author
Susan Wittig Albert
Cottage Tales Series
Discussing the use of fictional books
in homeschooling & education
Tuesday November 13
www.lvbirders.homeschooljournal.net
Joshua and I are very excited and honored to have been invited to be a stop on Susan Wittig Albert’s blog tour of her newest book in her Cottage Tale Series, The Tale of Hawthorn House.
We will be hosting Susan here on this blog on Tuesday, November 13 and she will be discussing with us her thoughts on the use of fiction literature, such as her Cottage Tale Series, in homeschooling and education.
I […]
Original post by lvbirders
We have Dish Network and recently Joshua came across the news program, European Journal, on Link TV. We now start each Thursday morning of studies by watching this show and we are really enjoying learning the news in various parts of Europe.
Original post by lvbirders
I can’t recall if I’ve mentioned here how much I love the book, Material World, though I know I’ve mentioned it in comments on other blogs. It is an amazing pictorial, showing various families from around the world with their material possessions along with text describing the families and how they live. My kids have loved this book.
Now, from the same photojournalist, Peter Menzel, comes Hungry Planet: What the World Eats. Again, through the images in this book, readers are introduced to families from all over the world and we learn just what each family eats in a week. UNbelievable.
Hungry Planet is a new release; I just got my copy last week and already I can tell that together with Material World, these two books have been one of the best “educational” investments we’ve made. Inspiring some pretty interesting conversations (not to mention the map searches) these books are serious […]
Original post by paradisefound
Josh and I have been enjoying reading, Napoleon’s buttons How 17 Molecules Changed History by Penny Le Couteur and Jay Burreson, in our science study of chemistry. The book is an account of 17 groups of molecules that have greatly influenced the course of history. The chapter on Isoprene has led us to a rabbit trail of learning about polymers. I found this great kids’ site with information explained in enough of a basic way that even Josh and I could understand it , although I did get some looks from him concerning “Paul the Lemur” lol. We pretty much just read the site for the information and ignored the “fun stuff” as Josh reminded me “he’s a little old for that” lol. I also found this experiment which we will be trying to do soon. We did do a little hands on with Josh creating polymer chains
and then “crosslinking” them.
The […]
Original post by lvbirders
I love reading biographies, and love sharing them with my kids, so I was happy to read about Anneographies over at Cynsations (via Jacket Flap). Anne Bustard, author of the excellent looking Buddy: The Story of Buddy Holly, features picture book biographies on her blog. A whole blog about picture book biographies. How’s that?
Original post by paradisefound
Our study of art tends to be a very simple affair. Since I am not an art major/expert we try to do things in a practical, very basic manner. Joshua and I study a different artist each term. We learn about their life and a few of their paintings. We may read a fiction book based on the artist. For example, while studying Jan Vermeer, he read Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliet and loved it so much he bought and read her next book, The Wright 3. We sometimes follow Ambleside Online’s selections and at other times we veer off on our own path. This term we are on such a path of our own.
The museum at Bellagio on the Las Vegas strip is currently showing the exhibit, In the Master’s Hands: Picasso’s Ceramics. We will be going to view this exhibit soon. The opportunities that we have to view actual works by renowned artists […]
Original post by lvbirders
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