By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Maxine_Wagner]Maxine Wagner
In today's current times, nothing is more important when the children are concerned, than ensuring that they are getting the best education possible. In the educational system today, there are so many things that can impair a child's belief system and their personal development as well as their education. Despite the fact that the topic of homeschooling has always been somewhat of a controversial one, over the past couple of decades, the home education movement has literally revolutionized the American student's education.
Home schooling benefits
Although there may be some disadvantages to homeschooling, the 15 advantages for parents and students that are listed below far outweigh them. When you home school your children, you are able to:
o Address those bigger issues with your children whenever you feel that they're ready to handle them
o Build relationships with your children that are more intimate and meaningful
o Control exactly what your children will be learning and when you teach it to them
o Create weekly agendas that allow you to perform your normal tasks as well as fitting your needs to the agenda without dealing with the normal constraints of the conventional class schedule
o Give your children more in-depth and personalized attention with any of the subjects that they excel in or struggle with
o Help your children to mature through the different, difficult stages of their lives
o Nurture your child's natural talents, enabling them to grow and thrive in art, math, music, etc.
o Protect them from the many negative influences that they would usually encounter outside of your home
o Share your joy of homeschooling your children with your husband or wife
o Share the more common, daily joys of life with your children
o Show your children how exciting home learning is (not boring)
o Tailor your homeschooling methods and techniques to fit with your child's dominant style of learning
o Take educational vacations regardless of what time of the year it is and whether or not school is in session
o Teach with a 1-on-1 approach so you are more effective and can continue interacting with them
o Transfer your beliefs as well as your family values on to your children while addressing whatever questions they may have
Although the list of advantages may go on, the 15 mentioned above should be enough to make you consider education of your children at home. This is almost enough information to help you make an informed decision as to whether or not you want to home school them. However, remember that making the decision to home schooling the children is a big step as well as a difficult one to make because it will take up a large amount of your time during the day. Getting your spouse as involved as possible, is always helpful as they can be addressing the other issues around the home that you are unable to deal with while you are teaching. However, there are online forums where you can discuss with other parents about this system of education and whether it would suit your lifestyle.
For the latest videos and training information on [http://www.childdevelopmentmedia.com/]child development as well as books and curricula on [https://www.childdevelopmentmedia.com/adhd-children.html]ADHD children please visit childdevelopmentmedia.com.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Know-The-Advantages-of-Homeschooling&id=6611794] Know The Advantages of Homeschooling
Friday, December 30, 2011
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Learning Is Everywhere - Even in Your Own Backyard
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Dave_Buckley]Dave Buckley
Homeschooling has many advantages. That goes without saying. There is one advantage, though, that stands far above the rest...Field Trips.
Whether you live in a large city or a rural community, you can teach concepts in a differentiated manner providing hands-on experiences for your child that he or she wouldn't necessarily participate in a traditional school setting.
Think about the everyday things you do. You go to the grocery store, you drive to the mall, you mow the grass, and you work in the garden. Each of these things, while seemingly mundane, can offer educational opportunities for you to share with your home schooled child. They will get you up and out of the house, and provide interesting, enriching educational activities.
Math can be confusing and monotonous if a child is simply tasked with drill and kill activities or must recall formulas and complete problem after problem. A simple trip to the grocery store can turn math concepts into an interesting experience. Some possible teachable moments that can be captured at the market include addition and subtraction, using coupons and advertised discounts. The concepts of budgeting, estimation, and percentages, as well as the use of calculators are abundant in one store. If you visit a "super store," the possibilities are endless! A trip to your backyard can help with the concepts of perimeter, area, angles, and measurement. Have your child measure certain plants, small trees, and the amount of time it takes to run around the perimeter several times (a bonus is the physical activity here!).
Science is everywhere. Trips to your backyard, to the local park, to national parks are invaluable for demonstrating concepts such as life cycles, erosion, fossilization, botany, and nature in general. If you are lucky enough to live in Utah or Nevada, the rock formations and canyons serve as a natural classroom. Living next to the ocean or a lake opens up entirely new worlds. Go CAMPNG for the weekend. You'll be amazed at the teachable moments you stumble across. Trips as simple as visiting a bakery, a nursery, an amusement park, or going on a hike provide opportunities to learn about a plethora of science concepts.
Social Studies/History is all around us. If you live near historical monuments or landmarks (which most of us do), a trip to one is an invaluable way to reinforce what your child has been learning. Taking your child to a nursing home to read to older folks not only gives them a sense of community, but opens up dialogue about the past. Your child can learn mapping skills by walking around the block, can learn the workings of other cultures buy attending a festival, and can learn about government with a trip to a local government office. Forget memorizing dates and boring facts...let your child experience the learning!
Language Arts might seem like a tough one to figure out field trips for. Not so. Have your child attend book signings and talk with the author, visit a ghost town and have him or her write a creative story about what the history of that town might be. Keep a "field trip" journal and have your child write before, during, and after the trip.
These are just a few ideas for your homeschooler. Don't let them limit you, let them open your mind to see new opportunities. Almost every trip you go on can provide valuable learning experiences in all subjects.
If you are looking into more information on [http://www.greathomeschoolconventions.com/]homeschooling or would like to know about some great homeschool conventions visit http://www.greathomeschoolconventions.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Learning-Is-Everywhere---Even-in-Your-Own-Backyard&id=6608580] Learning Is Everywhere - Even in Your Own Backyard
Homeschooling has many advantages. That goes without saying. There is one advantage, though, that stands far above the rest...Field Trips.
Whether you live in a large city or a rural community, you can teach concepts in a differentiated manner providing hands-on experiences for your child that he or she wouldn't necessarily participate in a traditional school setting.
Think about the everyday things you do. You go to the grocery store, you drive to the mall, you mow the grass, and you work in the garden. Each of these things, while seemingly mundane, can offer educational opportunities for you to share with your home schooled child. They will get you up and out of the house, and provide interesting, enriching educational activities.
Math can be confusing and monotonous if a child is simply tasked with drill and kill activities or must recall formulas and complete problem after problem. A simple trip to the grocery store can turn math concepts into an interesting experience. Some possible teachable moments that can be captured at the market include addition and subtraction, using coupons and advertised discounts. The concepts of budgeting, estimation, and percentages, as well as the use of calculators are abundant in one store. If you visit a "super store," the possibilities are endless! A trip to your backyard can help with the concepts of perimeter, area, angles, and measurement. Have your child measure certain plants, small trees, and the amount of time it takes to run around the perimeter several times (a bonus is the physical activity here!).
Science is everywhere. Trips to your backyard, to the local park, to national parks are invaluable for demonstrating concepts such as life cycles, erosion, fossilization, botany, and nature in general. If you are lucky enough to live in Utah or Nevada, the rock formations and canyons serve as a natural classroom. Living next to the ocean or a lake opens up entirely new worlds. Go CAMPNG for the weekend. You'll be amazed at the teachable moments you stumble across. Trips as simple as visiting a bakery, a nursery, an amusement park, or going on a hike provide opportunities to learn about a plethora of science concepts.
Social Studies/History is all around us. If you live near historical monuments or landmarks (which most of us do), a trip to one is an invaluable way to reinforce what your child has been learning. Taking your child to a nursing home to read to older folks not only gives them a sense of community, but opens up dialogue about the past. Your child can learn mapping skills by walking around the block, can learn the workings of other cultures buy attending a festival, and can learn about government with a trip to a local government office. Forget memorizing dates and boring facts...let your child experience the learning!
Language Arts might seem like a tough one to figure out field trips for. Not so. Have your child attend book signings and talk with the author, visit a ghost town and have him or her write a creative story about what the history of that town might be. Keep a "field trip" journal and have your child write before, during, and after the trip.
These are just a few ideas for your homeschooler. Don't let them limit you, let them open your mind to see new opportunities. Almost every trip you go on can provide valuable learning experiences in all subjects.
If you are looking into more information on [http://www.greathomeschoolconventions.com/]homeschooling or would like to know about some great homeschool conventions visit http://www.greathomeschoolconventions.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Learning-Is-Everywhere---Even-in-Your-Own-Backyard&id=6608580] Learning Is Everywhere - Even in Your Own Backyard
Monday, December 26, 2011
Mind Maps at Home: Helping the Student With a Reading Disability
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Crystal_Pratt]Crystal Pratt
Have you ever watched a movie where you just can't follow the plot? No matter how hard you try to focus and pay attention, very little about the movie is making sense. This is what reading is like for a child who struggles with reading comprehension. If your child continually expresses a dislike for reading and you have noticed that he has difficulty reading or gets easily frustrated, even with simple words, then you may want to consider having him evaluated for dyslexia. While many dyslexic kids can follow along when someone else reads, they are generally unable to comprehend its meaning, especially when trying to do it on their own. Why? Because of neurological patterns in the brain, these children are not able to absorb large amounts of information at one time. Words and sentences often get mixed up, making the entire reading process (even when following along) more difficult to understand. It's almost as if there are two sets of wires, both fully charged, but they don't quite connect all the time. The power is there, but an arc needs to be forged to make the connection. One way to help make that connection is by using something called mind maps.
A mind map is a graphical (or pictorial) way to represent thoughts and ideas and organize ideas. Research shows that visual aids like pictures, illustrations, diagrams, etc. work better with dyslexic learners. These children are better able to absorb the information presented when it's done using a more visually appealing method. Mind mapping is a great visual tool for kids that struggle with reading comprehension. Mind maps are less dense than text, thus creating a more effective learning tool for dyslexic students. With the help of a mind map, a child can take in the information as it is received and break it down into manageable chunks, making it much easier to understand and remember.
When children use mind maps for reading comprehension, their thoughts are better organized. These visual aids illustrate the information and pertinent relationships. For instance, the mind map can be used to focus on the main idea of a story. Additional branches can then be used to fill in important information and other details that relate to the main idea. This, in essence, helps the child see how the story fits together, making the overall meaning easier to comprehend. These same types of learning tools can be implemented into writing lessons as well. Mind maps can be used at the student's own pace, allowing them to add to it later if they are feeling overwhelmed.
Mind mapping tools can be used online or with easy-to-use software programs on your computer. They can be found in the form of worksheets or even created by you or your child-whatever is easiest for your situation. Dyslexia doesn't just go away and should not be ignored. In the same respect, a student with a reading disability doesn't need to feel discouraged. There are numerous tools available, such as mind maps, that can be used at home for children who struggle with reading comprehension.
If you have a child with dyslexia or another learning disability, you may want to look into Verticy Learning as a way to help your child learn. Verticy specializes in home-based curriculum for struggling readers and utilizes many multisensory techniques and language tools. You can learn more about Verticy Learning at http://www.verticylearning.org/
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Mind-Maps-at-Home:-Helping-the-Student-With-a-Reading-Disability&id=6611671] Mind Maps at Home: Helping the Student With a Reading Disability
Have you ever watched a movie where you just can't follow the plot? No matter how hard you try to focus and pay attention, very little about the movie is making sense. This is what reading is like for a child who struggles with reading comprehension. If your child continually expresses a dislike for reading and you have noticed that he has difficulty reading or gets easily frustrated, even with simple words, then you may want to consider having him evaluated for dyslexia. While many dyslexic kids can follow along when someone else reads, they are generally unable to comprehend its meaning, especially when trying to do it on their own. Why? Because of neurological patterns in the brain, these children are not able to absorb large amounts of information at one time. Words and sentences often get mixed up, making the entire reading process (even when following along) more difficult to understand. It's almost as if there are two sets of wires, both fully charged, but they don't quite connect all the time. The power is there, but an arc needs to be forged to make the connection. One way to help make that connection is by using something called mind maps.
A mind map is a graphical (or pictorial) way to represent thoughts and ideas and organize ideas. Research shows that visual aids like pictures, illustrations, diagrams, etc. work better with dyslexic learners. These children are better able to absorb the information presented when it's done using a more visually appealing method. Mind mapping is a great visual tool for kids that struggle with reading comprehension. Mind maps are less dense than text, thus creating a more effective learning tool for dyslexic students. With the help of a mind map, a child can take in the information as it is received and break it down into manageable chunks, making it much easier to understand and remember.
When children use mind maps for reading comprehension, their thoughts are better organized. These visual aids illustrate the information and pertinent relationships. For instance, the mind map can be used to focus on the main idea of a story. Additional branches can then be used to fill in important information and other details that relate to the main idea. This, in essence, helps the child see how the story fits together, making the overall meaning easier to comprehend. These same types of learning tools can be implemented into writing lessons as well. Mind maps can be used at the student's own pace, allowing them to add to it later if they are feeling overwhelmed.
Mind mapping tools can be used online or with easy-to-use software programs on your computer. They can be found in the form of worksheets or even created by you or your child-whatever is easiest for your situation. Dyslexia doesn't just go away and should not be ignored. In the same respect, a student with a reading disability doesn't need to feel discouraged. There are numerous tools available, such as mind maps, that can be used at home for children who struggle with reading comprehension.
If you have a child with dyslexia or another learning disability, you may want to look into Verticy Learning as a way to help your child learn. Verticy specializes in home-based curriculum for struggling readers and utilizes many multisensory techniques and language tools. You can learn more about Verticy Learning at http://www.verticylearning.org/
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Mind-Maps-at-Home:-Helping-the-Student-With-a-Reading-Disability&id=6611671] Mind Maps at Home: Helping the Student With a Reading Disability
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Dyslexia and Homeschooling: Decoding Solutions for Struggling Readers
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Crystal_Pratt]Crystal Pratt
"I hate reading. Don't make me do it. I don't want to read anymore." These are not simply the sounds of an obstinate child. If you've heard this before, and are hearing it frequently, then your child may be in need of some extra help. Dyslexic children often have difficulty with decoding, which is important for reading proficiency. When your child experiences difficulties matching sounds and letters, frequently gets stuck on words while reading, or guesses words based on the first letter or two, he becomes frustrated. And it's easy to understand his or her frustration. No one wants to read this way. So don't get yourself worked up into a frenzy every time your child's daily reading lesson nears. These are simple clues that you can use to help improve your child's decoding skills.
While there are many solutions for struggling readers, it's important to know that these strategies are dependent on your child's unique learning style. And that the presentation of these strategies will make a difference in how they are received. A few of the most common of these strategies include sounding out words, using picture clues, and chunking or breaking up word parts.
Sounding Out Words
There are a number of ways to practice this concept with your child. You could try implementing a 'sound of the week' into the reading lesson. Simply use letters or letter blends to create a sound that will be practiced throughout the week. Keep this in an area that your child can see easily (wall, white board, billboard, etc.) and use as a reference. Allow him or her to practice this sound each day during reading time. Create a list of spelling/vocabulary words that contain the sound. Include additional practice by having your child find objects in the home that use the sound as well. Making the activity more fun or hands-on will help keep your child engaged and reading time more enjoyable.
Using Picture Clues
Reading can also be made to be more fun and engaging by using pictures to decode content and text. Use visually appealing books and encourage your child to look for clues in the pictures to help make sense of the reading material. Use sound recognition from the week's lesson to reinforce the learning concept. Identifying words through meaning using pictures and then practicing or applying the sound being taught can help link the two strategies together and make reading less of a struggle. Additionally, you can create anagrams using picture that provide a clue to each answer while still employing the sound of the week (act/cat, tar/rat, tab/bat, etc.).
Chunking/Breaking Up Word Parts
An additional method to help struggling readers with decoding is by chunking or breaking up words. Chunks of words can be found in the beginning, middle, or ending. Recognizing these chunks help struggling readers to figure out new, unfamiliar words when reading. A great way to practice this concept is through the use of word walls. Use key words from the reading material and vocabulary words to build a colorful wall of words. For instance, each week may have a word wall using new word chunks from spelling words formed from the sound of the week. Little "a" sounding words, for example, could be used to create the chunk word "at," which can then include the following: cat, hatch, atom, bat, etc. Have your child practice writing and saying these words each day. You can also have your child find pictures or objects of these words as well.
There are many ways you can implement these decoding solutions for struggling readers into your homeschooling lessons. Allow your child to lead the way, forming these learning concepts around the individual needs and interests of your child. Never be afraid to try new things, be willing to accept that something may simply not be working for your child, and remember to celebrate even small accomplishments - and before you know it, reading will become a loved subject.
If you have a child with dyslexia or another learning disability, you may want to look into Verticy Learning as a way to help your child learn. Verticy specializes in home-based curriculum for struggling readers and utilizes many multisensory techniques and language tools. You can learn more about Verticy Learning at http://www.verticylearning.org/
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Dyslexia-and-Homeschooling:-Decoding-Solutions-for-Struggling-Readers&id=6611652] Dyslexia and Homeschooling: Decoding Solutions for Struggling Readers
"I hate reading. Don't make me do it. I don't want to read anymore." These are not simply the sounds of an obstinate child. If you've heard this before, and are hearing it frequently, then your child may be in need of some extra help. Dyslexic children often have difficulty with decoding, which is important for reading proficiency. When your child experiences difficulties matching sounds and letters, frequently gets stuck on words while reading, or guesses words based on the first letter or two, he becomes frustrated. And it's easy to understand his or her frustration. No one wants to read this way. So don't get yourself worked up into a frenzy every time your child's daily reading lesson nears. These are simple clues that you can use to help improve your child's decoding skills.
While there are many solutions for struggling readers, it's important to know that these strategies are dependent on your child's unique learning style. And that the presentation of these strategies will make a difference in how they are received. A few of the most common of these strategies include sounding out words, using picture clues, and chunking or breaking up word parts.
Sounding Out Words
There are a number of ways to practice this concept with your child. You could try implementing a 'sound of the week' into the reading lesson. Simply use letters or letter blends to create a sound that will be practiced throughout the week. Keep this in an area that your child can see easily (wall, white board, billboard, etc.) and use as a reference. Allow him or her to practice this sound each day during reading time. Create a list of spelling/vocabulary words that contain the sound. Include additional practice by having your child find objects in the home that use the sound as well. Making the activity more fun or hands-on will help keep your child engaged and reading time more enjoyable.
Using Picture Clues
Reading can also be made to be more fun and engaging by using pictures to decode content and text. Use visually appealing books and encourage your child to look for clues in the pictures to help make sense of the reading material. Use sound recognition from the week's lesson to reinforce the learning concept. Identifying words through meaning using pictures and then practicing or applying the sound being taught can help link the two strategies together and make reading less of a struggle. Additionally, you can create anagrams using picture that provide a clue to each answer while still employing the sound of the week (act/cat, tar/rat, tab/bat, etc.).
Chunking/Breaking Up Word Parts
An additional method to help struggling readers with decoding is by chunking or breaking up words. Chunks of words can be found in the beginning, middle, or ending. Recognizing these chunks help struggling readers to figure out new, unfamiliar words when reading. A great way to practice this concept is through the use of word walls. Use key words from the reading material and vocabulary words to build a colorful wall of words. For instance, each week may have a word wall using new word chunks from spelling words formed from the sound of the week. Little "a" sounding words, for example, could be used to create the chunk word "at," which can then include the following: cat, hatch, atom, bat, etc. Have your child practice writing and saying these words each day. You can also have your child find pictures or objects of these words as well.
There are many ways you can implement these decoding solutions for struggling readers into your homeschooling lessons. Allow your child to lead the way, forming these learning concepts around the individual needs and interests of your child. Never be afraid to try new things, be willing to accept that something may simply not be working for your child, and remember to celebrate even small accomplishments - and before you know it, reading will become a loved subject.
If you have a child with dyslexia or another learning disability, you may want to look into Verticy Learning as a way to help your child learn. Verticy specializes in home-based curriculum for struggling readers and utilizes many multisensory techniques and language tools. You can learn more about Verticy Learning at http://www.verticylearning.org/
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Dyslexia-and-Homeschooling:-Decoding-Solutions-for-Struggling-Readers&id=6611652] Dyslexia and Homeschooling: Decoding Solutions for Struggling Readers
Thursday, December 22, 2011
All You Should Know About Home Schooling Programs Regarding High School Graduation
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Adam_Emerson]Adam Emerson
Homeschooling high school pupils frequently intimidates parents, and many might be worried that their kids will miss out on useful education and social experiences, if not in a standard school environment. Luckily, more and more home schooling programs for highschool are beginning to offer all kinds of other options to their programs than just standard class work. Many offer up advanced placement courses in addition to a various other languages, a few even have graduation events for pupils. Many times local park districts, schools, or well-produced homeschooling network provide athletics, dances, or other extra-curricular events to appeal to many hobbies.
High school is an interesting period in adolescent behavior and a period of wonderful intellectual and personal change. In the American culture it's been romanticized greatly. A great number of changes are gone through by a young adult during his or her highschool years, but rarely does high school surpass the fabled reputation. In most cases, children are bullied, excluded, confused and depressed. Yet they feel forced to separate from their parents and not confide in them. Home schooling for the period of highschool may not avoid all of the negatives, nonetheless it could help hold and harden the parent-child working relationship at a period when it is crucial.
Selecting the appropriate homeschooling programs for high school from the countless number that are available, is crucial for results. Several highschool homeschooling programs are intended for college preparatory work, although some are much less so. Some others have a powerful grounding in faith development and moral personality improvement. Finding out your family's demands and also the student's interests and ability are crucial components to selecting the homeschool program that should work best for you.
High School Home School Solutions
'Kaplan', of SAT preparation as well as ACT preparation fame, offers a school preparatory homeschool curriculum for pupils in grades 9-12. They offer a number of educational selections together with a self-paced classes option for individuals who desire to go at their unique pace. 'Kaplan' offers homeschooling curriculums for high school that are free of charge and tuition based depending on area.
One more college preparatory choice for a highschool home schooling program is 'Laurel Springs'. Laurel Springs provides an customized program for each of their pupils. Furthermore they feature experience in working with pupil athletes and have experience helping pupils in NCAA permitted courses. Additionally, Laurel Springs offers home schooling programs for pupils who're also professional actors or performers. One more essential feature of this home school program is the 'gifted and talented' program. They understand the difficulties that may come with educating a pupil who is quite skilled in one domain and not in another. The variety of homeschooling programs for highschool offered with Laurel Springs is fantastic.
'The Morning Star Academy' is yet another well-known highschool home school curriculum. This program is based in Christianity and presents material through the biblically influenced view. The Morning Star Academy also provides Advanced Placement Classes for pupils which are interested and able. One more fantastic aspect in this high school home school program is the variety of languages offered as part of the curriculum. Due to the fact the parents might not be fluent in the pupil's language of choice, the one on one tutoring offered, is a great advantage.
Conclusion
There are tons of factors that parents could be hesitant to contemplate homeschooling programs for high school. Starting from worrying that they, as parents, will be unable to aid their kid with course work, or the fear of depriving their kids of the cultural phenomena of highschool social frame. Some are even worry about over extra-curricular activity availabilities and so on. But you will find just as many compelling motives to home school through school. If a family finds a well suited program, the majority of the issues are minimized and confidence gained. Again, there's nothing absolute; in case a program ends up being a very poor match, then parents have the freedom to settle on a different program.
For more information on [http://www.HomeschoolingPrograms.net]homeschooling programs plus some great tips and info, look into [http://www.HomeschoolingPrograms.net]http://www.HomeschoolingPrograms.net. Looking forward to see you soon, Adam.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?All-You-Should-Know-About-Home-Schooling-Programs-Regarding-High-School-Graduation&id=6584873] All You Should Know About Home Schooling Programs Regarding High School Graduation
Homeschooling high school pupils frequently intimidates parents, and many might be worried that their kids will miss out on useful education and social experiences, if not in a standard school environment. Luckily, more and more home schooling programs for highschool are beginning to offer all kinds of other options to their programs than just standard class work. Many offer up advanced placement courses in addition to a various other languages, a few even have graduation events for pupils. Many times local park districts, schools, or well-produced homeschooling network provide athletics, dances, or other extra-curricular events to appeal to many hobbies.
High school is an interesting period in adolescent behavior and a period of wonderful intellectual and personal change. In the American culture it's been romanticized greatly. A great number of changes are gone through by a young adult during his or her highschool years, but rarely does high school surpass the fabled reputation. In most cases, children are bullied, excluded, confused and depressed. Yet they feel forced to separate from their parents and not confide in them. Home schooling for the period of highschool may not avoid all of the negatives, nonetheless it could help hold and harden the parent-child working relationship at a period when it is crucial.
Selecting the appropriate homeschooling programs for high school from the countless number that are available, is crucial for results. Several highschool homeschooling programs are intended for college preparatory work, although some are much less so. Some others have a powerful grounding in faith development and moral personality improvement. Finding out your family's demands and also the student's interests and ability are crucial components to selecting the homeschool program that should work best for you.
High School Home School Solutions
'Kaplan', of SAT preparation as well as ACT preparation fame, offers a school preparatory homeschool curriculum for pupils in grades 9-12. They offer a number of educational selections together with a self-paced classes option for individuals who desire to go at their unique pace. 'Kaplan' offers homeschooling curriculums for high school that are free of charge and tuition based depending on area.
One more college preparatory choice for a highschool home schooling program is 'Laurel Springs'. Laurel Springs provides an customized program for each of their pupils. Furthermore they feature experience in working with pupil athletes and have experience helping pupils in NCAA permitted courses. Additionally, Laurel Springs offers home schooling programs for pupils who're also professional actors or performers. One more essential feature of this home school program is the 'gifted and talented' program. They understand the difficulties that may come with educating a pupil who is quite skilled in one domain and not in another. The variety of homeschooling programs for highschool offered with Laurel Springs is fantastic.
'The Morning Star Academy' is yet another well-known highschool home school curriculum. This program is based in Christianity and presents material through the biblically influenced view. The Morning Star Academy also provides Advanced Placement Classes for pupils which are interested and able. One more fantastic aspect in this high school home school program is the variety of languages offered as part of the curriculum. Due to the fact the parents might not be fluent in the pupil's language of choice, the one on one tutoring offered, is a great advantage.
Conclusion
There are tons of factors that parents could be hesitant to contemplate homeschooling programs for high school. Starting from worrying that they, as parents, will be unable to aid their kid with course work, or the fear of depriving their kids of the cultural phenomena of highschool social frame. Some are even worry about over extra-curricular activity availabilities and so on. But you will find just as many compelling motives to home school through school. If a family finds a well suited program, the majority of the issues are minimized and confidence gained. Again, there's nothing absolute; in case a program ends up being a very poor match, then parents have the freedom to settle on a different program.
For more information on [http://www.HomeschoolingPrograms.net]homeschooling programs plus some great tips and info, look into [http://www.HomeschoolingPrograms.net]http://www.HomeschoolingPrograms.net. Looking forward to see you soon, Adam.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?All-You-Should-Know-About-Home-Schooling-Programs-Regarding-High-School-Graduation&id=6584873] All You Should Know About Home Schooling Programs Regarding High School Graduation
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Learning Games to Stimulate the Brain
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Maxine_Wagner]Maxine Wagner
When your child has been diagnosed with autism, ADHD, and other conditions that affect children, you may be wondering what you can do at home to help your child. You will soon learn the importance of a routine that is structured and provides everything your child needs. However, when you have the opportunity, it would be beneficial to perform one of these learning games to stimulate your child's brain and encourage learning.
Counting
When your child is young, it is important to teach them numbers. There are many ways to squeeze numbers in your daily life because numbers are all around. One way to get numbers in your life is to count the animals, flowers, cars, or buildings on your way to school. Count them out loud with your child so he or she will see the number of something, hear the numbers with you, and count them over every day then this will create self confidence in counting and learning their numbers.
Writing
You don't have to wait until your child is in school to teach them to write. They can learn to write as soon as they can grasp a pencil. When writing, it takes a considerable amount of brain power to make it work and to create the right lettering, stay in the lines, be coordinated, and more. You can help your child be creative, express themselves more, and be able to communicated when they may struggle otherwise.
Song and dance
When your child is up and moving to music, they can learn anything as long as you put it to rhythm. If you don't have a radio to play music, clap your hands to keep rhythm, dance around, create a drum beat with wooden spoons, and more. You can sing your ABC's, 123's, or learn about colors.
It's important that your child doesn't find stimulation in television shows unless you limit the amount of television time they have. Too much television can be non-stimulating and can lead to an addiction to television. This creates less time to move around.
You can also make cookies with your child. Measuring ingredients and placing them into the bowl one at a time in a certain way will stimulate the brain and create games that are fun for your child. It's important that your child enjoy learning in order to create a positive learning environment.
It doesn't matter where you are and what you are doing, you can always create a game and stimulate the brain; pick up sticks, pick up toys in the room, eating breakfast, walking in the city, going to the park, driving to school, and more. When you go to the grocery store, there are so many different games you could play that will help you stimulate the brain and help them to learn. Having children is a pleasure so enjoy activities that are not only educative but also fun for both of you.
For the latest videos and training information on [http://www.childdevelopmentmedia.com/]child development as well as books and curricula on [http://www.earlysignsofautism.com/]Autism please visit childdevelopmentmedia.com.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Learning-Games-to-Stimulate-the-Brain&id=6624663] Learning Games to Stimulate the Brain
When your child has been diagnosed with autism, ADHD, and other conditions that affect children, you may be wondering what you can do at home to help your child. You will soon learn the importance of a routine that is structured and provides everything your child needs. However, when you have the opportunity, it would be beneficial to perform one of these learning games to stimulate your child's brain and encourage learning.
Counting
When your child is young, it is important to teach them numbers. There are many ways to squeeze numbers in your daily life because numbers are all around. One way to get numbers in your life is to count the animals, flowers, cars, or buildings on your way to school. Count them out loud with your child so he or she will see the number of something, hear the numbers with you, and count them over every day then this will create self confidence in counting and learning their numbers.
Writing
You don't have to wait until your child is in school to teach them to write. They can learn to write as soon as they can grasp a pencil. When writing, it takes a considerable amount of brain power to make it work and to create the right lettering, stay in the lines, be coordinated, and more. You can help your child be creative, express themselves more, and be able to communicated when they may struggle otherwise.
Song and dance
When your child is up and moving to music, they can learn anything as long as you put it to rhythm. If you don't have a radio to play music, clap your hands to keep rhythm, dance around, create a drum beat with wooden spoons, and more. You can sing your ABC's, 123's, or learn about colors.
It's important that your child doesn't find stimulation in television shows unless you limit the amount of television time they have. Too much television can be non-stimulating and can lead to an addiction to television. This creates less time to move around.
You can also make cookies with your child. Measuring ingredients and placing them into the bowl one at a time in a certain way will stimulate the brain and create games that are fun for your child. It's important that your child enjoy learning in order to create a positive learning environment.
It doesn't matter where you are and what you are doing, you can always create a game and stimulate the brain; pick up sticks, pick up toys in the room, eating breakfast, walking in the city, going to the park, driving to school, and more. When you go to the grocery store, there are so many different games you could play that will help you stimulate the brain and help them to learn. Having children is a pleasure so enjoy activities that are not only educative but also fun for both of you.
For the latest videos and training information on [http://www.childdevelopmentmedia.com/]child development as well as books and curricula on [http://www.earlysignsofautism.com/]Autism please visit childdevelopmentmedia.com.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Learning-Games-to-Stimulate-the-Brain&id=6624663] Learning Games to Stimulate the Brain
Sunday, December 18, 2011
3 Tips to Help Slow Movers
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Curt_Bumcrot]Curt Bumcrot
If you find that school work isn't getting done, here are three tips that may boost your student's productivity.
1. Consider having your student attend a class somewhere. One of the values of a traditional school setting is structure. I know that some home schoolers feel guilty about thinking, let alone suggesting, that anything of value can possibly come out of school. But, like most things, school is not an "all or nothing proposition." Take or use what's good and helpful, and leave what's bad and counter-productive alone. The dynamic of a class meeting creates motivation and accountability that helps most students to get work done. Classes, some of which are offered through co-ops, provide a weekly and regular point of contact and expectation. "Due dates" for daily work, tests, quizzes, and projects are less flexible than courses studied exclusively at home.
2. Combine your home school efforts with another family. Home schooling typically works better when there is more than one child learning in a group setting. At least for the kids, it's more interesting. If you're down to teaching your last child at home, a feeling of isolation may set in. Productivity drops. Home schooling with another family often leads to life-long relationships between the children. It's worth a try.
3. Link consequences to actions that have a real life component. Virtually all home school families use some sort of reward and punishment system. To avoid having your children feel like they're being manipulated or simply "controlled" (and the older they are, the easier they can pick this out), think through why it's important that they do what you want them to do. Link the consequence to real life because outside the home, this is the way it generally works. Think about it. Put things off, don't deliver, and you're typically passed over for a promotion or fired. Exceed your employer's or customers' expectations and typically the opposite happens. Speed regularly and eventually you'll get a ticket. Text and drive and an accident will likely occur.
Help your students think this way by communicating to them that sloppy work means the teacher can't read, evaluate, or get the benefit from it, and therefore it must be done over. Insufficient work completed means access to the TV or to recreational use of the computer or handheld technology is withheld. Work completed and goals met result in rewards or privileges extended. Again, remind them that most adults work an eight- hour day and then come home to relax and recreate. Weekend hobbies take place after they work a forty or fifty hour work week. Reverse this order and problems will follow. Convey to your student that all you are doing is helping them establish a healthy life-long work ethic that will serve them well both now and in the future.
Here is a final thought about consequences. The funny thing is that "what's important" changes as our children get older. Also, what we think is important isn't always seen that way by our children. We have to continually remind ourselves of the point behind the consequence, because consequences must change as our children mature. Keep in mind that for older children, consequences seem to communicate a "life lesson" of their own, unless we get in the way.
I'll discuss more issues related to productivity in another article.
Thanks for reading!
Curt Bumcrot, MRE
Please feel free to forward this to home schoolers you think would benefit. Also, you have permission to copy this article to your blogs, forums, social network pages, or other websites. We only ask that you provide the live link at the bottom of the article that leads back to rel=nofollow [http://www.basicskills.net/index.html]www.basicskills.net
Curt Bumcrot is the founder and director of Basic Skills Assessment and Educational Services. He has earned degrees in Biblical Studies from Grace Institute in Long Beach, California, a B.A. in English from California State University at Dominguiz Hills, and a M.R.E. (Master in Religious Education) from Grand Rapids Baptist Seminary. He has been active both as a teacher and administrator in Christian Schools. He and his wife, Jenny, who home schooled their three children, currently reside in Oregon City.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?3-Tips-to-Help-Slow-Movers&id=6619381] 3 Tips to Help Slow Movers
If you find that school work isn't getting done, here are three tips that may boost your student's productivity.
1. Consider having your student attend a class somewhere. One of the values of a traditional school setting is structure. I know that some home schoolers feel guilty about thinking, let alone suggesting, that anything of value can possibly come out of school. But, like most things, school is not an "all or nothing proposition." Take or use what's good and helpful, and leave what's bad and counter-productive alone. The dynamic of a class meeting creates motivation and accountability that helps most students to get work done. Classes, some of which are offered through co-ops, provide a weekly and regular point of contact and expectation. "Due dates" for daily work, tests, quizzes, and projects are less flexible than courses studied exclusively at home.
2. Combine your home school efforts with another family. Home schooling typically works better when there is more than one child learning in a group setting. At least for the kids, it's more interesting. If you're down to teaching your last child at home, a feeling of isolation may set in. Productivity drops. Home schooling with another family often leads to life-long relationships between the children. It's worth a try.
3. Link consequences to actions that have a real life component. Virtually all home school families use some sort of reward and punishment system. To avoid having your children feel like they're being manipulated or simply "controlled" (and the older they are, the easier they can pick this out), think through why it's important that they do what you want them to do. Link the consequence to real life because outside the home, this is the way it generally works. Think about it. Put things off, don't deliver, and you're typically passed over for a promotion or fired. Exceed your employer's or customers' expectations and typically the opposite happens. Speed regularly and eventually you'll get a ticket. Text and drive and an accident will likely occur.
Help your students think this way by communicating to them that sloppy work means the teacher can't read, evaluate, or get the benefit from it, and therefore it must be done over. Insufficient work completed means access to the TV or to recreational use of the computer or handheld technology is withheld. Work completed and goals met result in rewards or privileges extended. Again, remind them that most adults work an eight- hour day and then come home to relax and recreate. Weekend hobbies take place after they work a forty or fifty hour work week. Reverse this order and problems will follow. Convey to your student that all you are doing is helping them establish a healthy life-long work ethic that will serve them well both now and in the future.
Here is a final thought about consequences. The funny thing is that "what's important" changes as our children get older. Also, what we think is important isn't always seen that way by our children. We have to continually remind ourselves of the point behind the consequence, because consequences must change as our children mature. Keep in mind that for older children, consequences seem to communicate a "life lesson" of their own, unless we get in the way.
I'll discuss more issues related to productivity in another article.
Thanks for reading!
Curt Bumcrot, MRE
Please feel free to forward this to home schoolers you think would benefit. Also, you have permission to copy this article to your blogs, forums, social network pages, or other websites. We only ask that you provide the live link at the bottom of the article that leads back to rel=nofollow [http://www.basicskills.net/index.html]www.basicskills.net
Curt Bumcrot is the founder and director of Basic Skills Assessment and Educational Services. He has earned degrees in Biblical Studies from Grace Institute in Long Beach, California, a B.A. in English from California State University at Dominguiz Hills, and a M.R.E. (Master in Religious Education) from Grand Rapids Baptist Seminary. He has been active both as a teacher and administrator in Christian Schools. He and his wife, Jenny, who home schooled their three children, currently reside in Oregon City.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?3-Tips-to-Help-Slow-Movers&id=6619381] 3 Tips to Help Slow Movers
Friday, December 16, 2011
Homeschool Record Keeping - Three Great Ways to Save Work Samples
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Lee_Binz]Lee Binz
Most parents have papers and materials that their children have completed during their schooling. The problem comes when we need to store them and even more when we need to be able to find them again. There are four typical types of homeschoolers parents that keep their records. Which one are you?
The first kind of person uses a giant rubber-made tub. These I call Tubbies. Tubbies will take everything for all five children and will throw it into the tub year after year. It is a perfectly acceptable form of record-keeping, people do it all the time, and you could, in fact, make a transcript using this method.
The next kind of homeschool parent has a drawer or a cabinet for each of their children and possibly for each year. These parents I call Cubbies. Cubbies have an advantage because they know which child did that specific paper and they know what year that paper was done. It's a good method of record-keeping.
Another kind of record keeping is what I like to call the Binder Queen. The benefit of having a binder is that it has a place for you to put everything. Everything required for state law, the declaration of intent, annual testing, and immunization records are in there with the high school records.
The fourth kind of record-keeping is the homeschooler which has a giant question mark on top of their heads. They are the ones who don't know that they're supposed to keep records. It is very hard to regroup after this record-keeping method, so try not to do this method.
Which one of these homeschool record keepers are you? Whether you are a Tubby, a Cubby or a Binder Queen it is important to be keep samples of your child's work for future record keeping needs.
When it is time to start using those work samples you have worked hard to save, you may find that you need some help putting it all together. My Comprehensive Records Solution can help you create outstanding [http://www.comprehensiverecordsolution.com]homeschool records with confidence.
Would you like to see actual samples of homeschool records? My book Setting the Record Straight will show you samples from real homeschool families of [http://www.thehomescholar.com/parent-training.php]successful homeschool documentation.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Homeschool-Record-Keeping---Three-Great-Ways-to-Save-Work-Samples&id=6622361] Homeschool Record Keeping - Three Great Ways to Save Work Samples
Most parents have papers and materials that their children have completed during their schooling. The problem comes when we need to store them and even more when we need to be able to find them again. There are four typical types of homeschoolers parents that keep their records. Which one are you?
The first kind of person uses a giant rubber-made tub. These I call Tubbies. Tubbies will take everything for all five children and will throw it into the tub year after year. It is a perfectly acceptable form of record-keeping, people do it all the time, and you could, in fact, make a transcript using this method.
The next kind of homeschool parent has a drawer or a cabinet for each of their children and possibly for each year. These parents I call Cubbies. Cubbies have an advantage because they know which child did that specific paper and they know what year that paper was done. It's a good method of record-keeping.
Another kind of record keeping is what I like to call the Binder Queen. The benefit of having a binder is that it has a place for you to put everything. Everything required for state law, the declaration of intent, annual testing, and immunization records are in there with the high school records.
The fourth kind of record-keeping is the homeschooler which has a giant question mark on top of their heads. They are the ones who don't know that they're supposed to keep records. It is very hard to regroup after this record-keeping method, so try not to do this method.
Which one of these homeschool record keepers are you? Whether you are a Tubby, a Cubby or a Binder Queen it is important to be keep samples of your child's work for future record keeping needs.
When it is time to start using those work samples you have worked hard to save, you may find that you need some help putting it all together. My Comprehensive Records Solution can help you create outstanding [http://www.comprehensiverecordsolution.com]homeschool records with confidence.
Would you like to see actual samples of homeschool records? My book Setting the Record Straight will show you samples from real homeschool families of [http://www.thehomescholar.com/parent-training.php]successful homeschool documentation.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Homeschool-Record-Keeping---Three-Great-Ways-to-Save-Work-Samples&id=6622361] Homeschool Record Keeping - Three Great Ways to Save Work Samples
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Home Schooling 24/7?
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Curt_Bumcrot]Curt Bumcrot
Now that the "honeymoon phase" of the new school year is over, productivity for some children starts to drop. In some cases, school work that should have been completed Monday through Friday now spills over into the weekend. "School" on Saturday two or three times in a row can be a miserable experience for everybody, not just the kids. If this describes what's happening with one of your children, here are some thoughts that may help you with the situation.
First, if you are seeing this in only one of your children, maybe there is a physiological reason behind it. What I mean by this is that if a child is a slow or reluctant reader, eye fatigue may be a factor. An optometrist could diagnose and prescribe stress lenses or glasses.
If you have a child who is entering into her teenage years, hormonal and/or chemical changes could be taking place which is affecting her mood and personality. Previously compliant, some children become oppositional and lethargic. Some Christian writers would lead you to believe that this kind of behavior is simply spiritual in nature (i.e. rebellion, sin, etc.), but this narrow view often prevents getting to the root of the issue. Making an appointment with a pediatrician for a physical would be a first step in addressing this issue.
Secondly, this may simply be an emerging personality trait. While some children "just get to it," others move methodically and slowly. While the promise of a reward or incentive may increase their productivity to some degree, it usually doesn't last. I saw this with a student who took a timed test in which the results pointed to below-average achievement. Weeks later we gave this student the same test but this time removed the time limits. The results were well-above average achievement. Sometimes you simply need to accept the personality trait and work with it by adjusting the amount of work assigned.
If your child is a "slow mover," consider making the work load on Fridays lighter. This is the day you "catch up" with little if any additional work assigned. Classroom teachers do this all the time (for themselves) when they get behind in their grading.
For older students, another possibility is to schedule the day into half-hour to one-hour time segments in which you move along to the next subject once the time allowed for the current subject is up. For younger students, setting a cooking timer for them to see may help build awareness of time elapsing.
Other issues related to productivity include structure, family dynamics, the use of incentives, interest level, and peer influences. More on this in another article.
Thanks for reading!
Curt Bumcrot, MRE
Please feel free to forward this to home schoolers you think would benefit. Also, you have permission to copy this article to your blogs, forums, social network pages, or other websites. We only ask that you provide the live link at the bottom of the article that leads back to [http://www.basicskills.net]www.basicskills.net.
Curt Bumcrot is the founder and director of Basic Skills Assessment and Educational Services. He holds degrees in Biblical Studies from Grace Institute in Long Beach, California, a B.A. in English from California State University at Dominguiz Hills, and a M.R.E. (Master in Religious Education) from Grand Rapids Baptist Seminary. He has been active both as a teacher and administrator in Christian Schools & has homeschooled his own 3 children.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Home-Schooling-24/7?&id=6619261] Home Schooling 24/7?
Now that the "honeymoon phase" of the new school year is over, productivity for some children starts to drop. In some cases, school work that should have been completed Monday through Friday now spills over into the weekend. "School" on Saturday two or three times in a row can be a miserable experience for everybody, not just the kids. If this describes what's happening with one of your children, here are some thoughts that may help you with the situation.
First, if you are seeing this in only one of your children, maybe there is a physiological reason behind it. What I mean by this is that if a child is a slow or reluctant reader, eye fatigue may be a factor. An optometrist could diagnose and prescribe stress lenses or glasses.
If you have a child who is entering into her teenage years, hormonal and/or chemical changes could be taking place which is affecting her mood and personality. Previously compliant, some children become oppositional and lethargic. Some Christian writers would lead you to believe that this kind of behavior is simply spiritual in nature (i.e. rebellion, sin, etc.), but this narrow view often prevents getting to the root of the issue. Making an appointment with a pediatrician for a physical would be a first step in addressing this issue.
Secondly, this may simply be an emerging personality trait. While some children "just get to it," others move methodically and slowly. While the promise of a reward or incentive may increase their productivity to some degree, it usually doesn't last. I saw this with a student who took a timed test in which the results pointed to below-average achievement. Weeks later we gave this student the same test but this time removed the time limits. The results were well-above average achievement. Sometimes you simply need to accept the personality trait and work with it by adjusting the amount of work assigned.
If your child is a "slow mover," consider making the work load on Fridays lighter. This is the day you "catch up" with little if any additional work assigned. Classroom teachers do this all the time (for themselves) when they get behind in their grading.
For older students, another possibility is to schedule the day into half-hour to one-hour time segments in which you move along to the next subject once the time allowed for the current subject is up. For younger students, setting a cooking timer for them to see may help build awareness of time elapsing.
Other issues related to productivity include structure, family dynamics, the use of incentives, interest level, and peer influences. More on this in another article.
Thanks for reading!
Curt Bumcrot, MRE
Please feel free to forward this to home schoolers you think would benefit. Also, you have permission to copy this article to your blogs, forums, social network pages, or other websites. We only ask that you provide the live link at the bottom of the article that leads back to [http://www.basicskills.net]www.basicskills.net.
Curt Bumcrot is the founder and director of Basic Skills Assessment and Educational Services. He holds degrees in Biblical Studies from Grace Institute in Long Beach, California, a B.A. in English from California State University at Dominguiz Hills, and a M.R.E. (Master in Religious Education) from Grand Rapids Baptist Seminary. He has been active both as a teacher and administrator in Christian Schools & has homeschooled his own 3 children.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Home-Schooling-24/7?&id=6619261] Home Schooling 24/7?
Monday, December 12, 2011
The Charlotte Mason Homeschooling Method
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Dave_Buckley]Dave Buckley
Charlotte Mason's Educational Method is centered around the idea of a three-pronged education. Education is atmosphere (environment). Education is discipline (habits of character). Education is life (academics). It is essentially learning through living and ideas, not simply through facts. Mason was a British educator living during the late nineteenth/early twentieth centuries. She had unique ideas about educating our youth for the time during which she lived and taught.
Mason's method is a favorite amongst homeschooling parents. In fact, many public schools have adopted and adapted many of her principles of education and are applying them in the classroom.
What is Charlotte Mason's method? According to Wikipedia, it is a method in which children are taught as whole persons through a wide range of interesting living books, first hand experiences, and good habits.
Some of the main components of Mason's method are:
1. Living Books
These actually tell a story instead of having a student learn from a dry textbook. Historical fiction is an example. Children take a great deal more interest in hearing a story than reading some material which is written dully in a textbook.
2. Narration
Students take what they have gleaned from a lesson, field trip, reading and put it in their own words in a journal. These responses do not have to be in words. They can be in pictures, diagrams, brief snippets, etc.
3. Short Lessons
For younger children, no lesson should last longer than 15-20 minutes (this trains their attention span). For older students, the lessons may be lengthened to 30-45 minutes.
4. History
Use historical fiction, living diaries, journals, letters, primary sources, speeches. Tell it like a story, use a time line. Manipulative time lines are very helpful.
5. Foreign Language
Teach the students how to hear and speak the language first. Then worry about reading and writing the language. Isn't that how we learn our native languages?
6. Geography
Children can learn geography through the current reading material and identifying locations on maps and globes. Mason recommended a 10 minute blank map drill weekly for the locations being studied. Many educators today refer to this as visual mapping. Students look at a map for a number of minutes. Then they reproduce everything they remember. They immediately study the original map again to assess their performance and to try to remember more. This activity is repeated several times for 10-15 minutes.
7. Copy work
A child carefully copies a well written passage. He/she absorbs grammar and punctuation rules and improves handwriting.
8. Nature Study
Outdoor studies and field trips. The children keep journals on what they see, labeling each entry with locations, names, and dates observed.
9. Math
Use manipulatives to enable your child to understand the hows and whys of the basics of math.
In order to update to the twenty-first century and stay with Mason's ideas, technology must be integrated. There are so many virtual learning opportunities available in the internet. Just be sure to review the sights thoroughly before introducing them to your child.
Charlotte Mason also had advice for subjects including dictation, Bible, poetry, recitation, Shakespeare, handicrafts, hymn study, music study, and picture study.
Mason's theories do not include a specific curriculum. Rather it is an applied philosophy that is easily adaptable to any state's curriculum and has the ability to fulfill your needs.
If you are looking into more information on the [http://www.greathomeschoolconventions.com/charlotte-mason-homeschooling-method]Charlotte Mason Homeschooling Method or would like to know about some great homeschool conventions visit http://www.greathomeschoolconventions.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Charlotte-Mason-Homeschooling-Method&id=6615744] The Charlotte Mason Homeschooling Method
Charlotte Mason's Educational Method is centered around the idea of a three-pronged education. Education is atmosphere (environment). Education is discipline (habits of character). Education is life (academics). It is essentially learning through living and ideas, not simply through facts. Mason was a British educator living during the late nineteenth/early twentieth centuries. She had unique ideas about educating our youth for the time during which she lived and taught.
Mason's method is a favorite amongst homeschooling parents. In fact, many public schools have adopted and adapted many of her principles of education and are applying them in the classroom.
What is Charlotte Mason's method? According to Wikipedia, it is a method in which children are taught as whole persons through a wide range of interesting living books, first hand experiences, and good habits.
Some of the main components of Mason's method are:
1. Living Books
These actually tell a story instead of having a student learn from a dry textbook. Historical fiction is an example. Children take a great deal more interest in hearing a story than reading some material which is written dully in a textbook.
2. Narration
Students take what they have gleaned from a lesson, field trip, reading and put it in their own words in a journal. These responses do not have to be in words. They can be in pictures, diagrams, brief snippets, etc.
3. Short Lessons
For younger children, no lesson should last longer than 15-20 minutes (this trains their attention span). For older students, the lessons may be lengthened to 30-45 minutes.
4. History
Use historical fiction, living diaries, journals, letters, primary sources, speeches. Tell it like a story, use a time line. Manipulative time lines are very helpful.
5. Foreign Language
Teach the students how to hear and speak the language first. Then worry about reading and writing the language. Isn't that how we learn our native languages?
6. Geography
Children can learn geography through the current reading material and identifying locations on maps and globes. Mason recommended a 10 minute blank map drill weekly for the locations being studied. Many educators today refer to this as visual mapping. Students look at a map for a number of minutes. Then they reproduce everything they remember. They immediately study the original map again to assess their performance and to try to remember more. This activity is repeated several times for 10-15 minutes.
7. Copy work
A child carefully copies a well written passage. He/she absorbs grammar and punctuation rules and improves handwriting.
8. Nature Study
Outdoor studies and field trips. The children keep journals on what they see, labeling each entry with locations, names, and dates observed.
9. Math
Use manipulatives to enable your child to understand the hows and whys of the basics of math.
In order to update to the twenty-first century and stay with Mason's ideas, technology must be integrated. There are so many virtual learning opportunities available in the internet. Just be sure to review the sights thoroughly before introducing them to your child.
Charlotte Mason also had advice for subjects including dictation, Bible, poetry, recitation, Shakespeare, handicrafts, hymn study, music study, and picture study.
Mason's theories do not include a specific curriculum. Rather it is an applied philosophy that is easily adaptable to any state's curriculum and has the ability to fulfill your needs.
If you are looking into more information on the [http://www.greathomeschoolconventions.com/charlotte-mason-homeschooling-method]Charlotte Mason Homeschooling Method or would like to know about some great homeschool conventions visit http://www.greathomeschoolconventions.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Charlotte-Mason-Homeschooling-Method&id=6615744] The Charlotte Mason Homeschooling Method
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Measure Progress Without Testing
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Curt_Bumcrot]Curt Bumcrot
A myriad of footnote questions appear on most published tests. Why? Because they are easy to write and easy to score. They're also largely meaningless when it comes to measuring what your student has learned. If you've concluded that the tedium of having your student memorize what seems to be an endless stream of facts is just not worth the investment of time, what do you do instead? Here's a simple but powerful option.
Many textbooks have review questions located throughout and at the end of each chapter. Some are well-written and require the student to use the higher levels of thinking. I recommend that you replace the tests with the review questions using the following simple method to help you determine what your student is learning.
First, choose review questions that seem important to you. Important as opposed to simply recall-type questions. The number of questions you choose to have your student respond to will be proportionate to the length and content of the chapter.
Second, ask your student to write an answer to each question. Make this an open-book test if you like. Let him know that he will be evaluated on the substance and quality of his answer. Suggest, though, that he limit his answer to one paragraph. This forces word economy.
Third, evaluate and score his answers. I suggest the following scale:
Adequate answers are awarded 3 points. "Adequate" means his response demonstrated he understood the basic content called for by the question.
Good answers are awarded 4 points. "Good" means his answer showed a greater degree of understanding than just the "adequate level."
Excellent answers are awarded 5 points. "Excellent" means his answer was well-thought through and showed an even greater depth of understanding than at the "good" level.If you choose questions that require the student simply recite facts back, award full credit (5 points) if completely accurate or no credit if the answer is simply wrong.
Finally, to generate a grade for the chapter based on this approach, simply total the number of points awarded for each question and divide this total by the total number of points possible.
Here's an example. Let's say you choose five questions for your student to answer. You award 4 points each to three questions, 3 points to one question, and 5 points to one question for a total of 20 points. Now, divide 20 points (the number awarded) by 25 points (the number possible). The result is.8. Convert.8 to a percent (move the decimal point over two places to the right and add the percent sign) and you have 80%.
Using a traditional grading scale of A: 90-100%, B: 80-89%, C: 70-79%, etc. the grade for this chapter would be a "B."
This method works best when you keep it simple. Don't spend too much time deliberating over whether an answer should be awarded 4 or 5 five points. Only occasionally split the difference and award a 4.5 or 3.5. You've got better things to do with your time.
Thanks for reading!
Please feel free to forward this to home schoolers you think would benefit. Also, you have permission to copy this article to your blogs, forums, social network pages, or other websites. We only ask that you provide the live link at the bottom of the article that leads back to rel=nofollow [http://www.basicskills.net/index.html]www.basicskills.net.
Curt Bumcrot is the founder and director of Basic Skills Assessment and Educational Services. He has earned degrees in Biblical Studies from Grace Institute in Long Beach, California, a B.A. in English from California State University at Dominguiz Hills, and a M.R.E. (Master in Religious Education) from Grand Rapids Baptist Seminary. He has been active both as a teacher and administrator in Christian Schools. He and his wife, Jenny, who home schooled their three children, currently reside in Oregon City.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Measure-Progress-Without-Testing&id=6587141] Measure Progress Without Testing
A myriad of footnote questions appear on most published tests. Why? Because they are easy to write and easy to score. They're also largely meaningless when it comes to measuring what your student has learned. If you've concluded that the tedium of having your student memorize what seems to be an endless stream of facts is just not worth the investment of time, what do you do instead? Here's a simple but powerful option.
Many textbooks have review questions located throughout and at the end of each chapter. Some are well-written and require the student to use the higher levels of thinking. I recommend that you replace the tests with the review questions using the following simple method to help you determine what your student is learning.
First, choose review questions that seem important to you. Important as opposed to simply recall-type questions. The number of questions you choose to have your student respond to will be proportionate to the length and content of the chapter.
Second, ask your student to write an answer to each question. Make this an open-book test if you like. Let him know that he will be evaluated on the substance and quality of his answer. Suggest, though, that he limit his answer to one paragraph. This forces word economy.
Third, evaluate and score his answers. I suggest the following scale:
Adequate answers are awarded 3 points. "Adequate" means his response demonstrated he understood the basic content called for by the question.
Good answers are awarded 4 points. "Good" means his answer showed a greater degree of understanding than just the "adequate level."
Excellent answers are awarded 5 points. "Excellent" means his answer was well-thought through and showed an even greater depth of understanding than at the "good" level.If you choose questions that require the student simply recite facts back, award full credit (5 points) if completely accurate or no credit if the answer is simply wrong.
Finally, to generate a grade for the chapter based on this approach, simply total the number of points awarded for each question and divide this total by the total number of points possible.
Here's an example. Let's say you choose five questions for your student to answer. You award 4 points each to three questions, 3 points to one question, and 5 points to one question for a total of 20 points. Now, divide 20 points (the number awarded) by 25 points (the number possible). The result is.8. Convert.8 to a percent (move the decimal point over two places to the right and add the percent sign) and you have 80%.
Using a traditional grading scale of A: 90-100%, B: 80-89%, C: 70-79%, etc. the grade for this chapter would be a "B."
This method works best when you keep it simple. Don't spend too much time deliberating over whether an answer should be awarded 4 or 5 five points. Only occasionally split the difference and award a 4.5 or 3.5. You've got better things to do with your time.
Thanks for reading!
Please feel free to forward this to home schoolers you think would benefit. Also, you have permission to copy this article to your blogs, forums, social network pages, or other websites. We only ask that you provide the live link at the bottom of the article that leads back to rel=nofollow [http://www.basicskills.net/index.html]www.basicskills.net.
Curt Bumcrot is the founder and director of Basic Skills Assessment and Educational Services. He has earned degrees in Biblical Studies from Grace Institute in Long Beach, California, a B.A. in English from California State University at Dominguiz Hills, and a M.R.E. (Master in Religious Education) from Grand Rapids Baptist Seminary. He has been active both as a teacher and administrator in Christian Schools. He and his wife, Jenny, who home schooled their three children, currently reside in Oregon City.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Measure-Progress-Without-Testing&id=6587141] Measure Progress Without Testing
Thursday, December 8, 2011
The Classical Education Model
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Dave_Buckley]Dave Buckley
Touted to be the return to a proven method of past centuries, the Classical Educational Model is gaining in popularity among homeschooling parents. The model is characterized by exposure to history, art, culture, languages, philosophy, and literature of Western Civilization. With a Christian emphasis (it also concentrates on the development of a biblical view of the world and Theology is considered to be the queen of sciences), the core of this model is the Trivium, which tailors curriculum subject matter to a child's cognitive development.
The Trivium is based on three levels, or stages of teaching and learning based on the age and ability of the child. The goals of the Trivium are Grammar, Logic, and Rhetoric.
Grammar Level
This stage is the based on concrete learning. In Bloom's taxonomy, this is considered to be the base of the learning pyramid. In this stage, rote memorization is the emphasis. Many public school systems call this "kill and drill." The idea is for kids to learn the vocabulary, rules, and basics first. This level is recommended for the elementary ages of children.
During this stage, children are taught Art, Bible, Geography, History, Literature, Math, Music, Oratory, Science, and Writing.
Dialectic Level
Also considered to be the analytical thinking and understanding stage, this is recommended for the middle school age kids.
The student learns to reason and to string isolated ideas together.
During this stage, students are taught more in-depth concepts in Art, Bible, History, Literature, Math, Music, Oratory, Science, and Writing. Language, Logic, and Government are introduced at this time.
Rhetoric Level
This is where abstract thinking and self-expression come in. It is recommended for the high school years.
During this stage, students take all that they have learned and develop the ability to apply that knowledge to abstract ideas. Rhetoric and Philosophy are added to the studies while Government and Logic receive less concentration.
On a side note, history is taught throughout all stages in four year cycles. Repeating the cycle allows for further understanding as the child's cognitive development advances.
This model can be explained in layman's terms by likening it to the process in which a baby learns to speak. A child first learns sounds, vocabulary, and simple sentences. He then learns how to apply the rules of grammar in order to express more complete thoughts. Finally, the child learns to express opinions and more complex ideas.
The supporters of the Classical Education Model argue that the modern education system expects kids to master subjects before mastering the skill of learning. A bit like putting the cart before the horse?
If you are looking into more information on [http://www.greathomeschoolconventions.com/classical-education-model]Classical Education Model or would like to know about some great homeschool conventions visit http://www.greathomeschoolconventions.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Classical-Education-Model&id=6631125] The Classical Education Model
Touted to be the return to a proven method of past centuries, the Classical Educational Model is gaining in popularity among homeschooling parents. The model is characterized by exposure to history, art, culture, languages, philosophy, and literature of Western Civilization. With a Christian emphasis (it also concentrates on the development of a biblical view of the world and Theology is considered to be the queen of sciences), the core of this model is the Trivium, which tailors curriculum subject matter to a child's cognitive development.
The Trivium is based on three levels, or stages of teaching and learning based on the age and ability of the child. The goals of the Trivium are Grammar, Logic, and Rhetoric.
Grammar Level
This stage is the based on concrete learning. In Bloom's taxonomy, this is considered to be the base of the learning pyramid. In this stage, rote memorization is the emphasis. Many public school systems call this "kill and drill." The idea is for kids to learn the vocabulary, rules, and basics first. This level is recommended for the elementary ages of children.
During this stage, children are taught Art, Bible, Geography, History, Literature, Math, Music, Oratory, Science, and Writing.
Dialectic Level
Also considered to be the analytical thinking and understanding stage, this is recommended for the middle school age kids.
The student learns to reason and to string isolated ideas together.
During this stage, students are taught more in-depth concepts in Art, Bible, History, Literature, Math, Music, Oratory, Science, and Writing. Language, Logic, and Government are introduced at this time.
Rhetoric Level
This is where abstract thinking and self-expression come in. It is recommended for the high school years.
During this stage, students take all that they have learned and develop the ability to apply that knowledge to abstract ideas. Rhetoric and Philosophy are added to the studies while Government and Logic receive less concentration.
On a side note, history is taught throughout all stages in four year cycles. Repeating the cycle allows for further understanding as the child's cognitive development advances.
This model can be explained in layman's terms by likening it to the process in which a baby learns to speak. A child first learns sounds, vocabulary, and simple sentences. He then learns how to apply the rules of grammar in order to express more complete thoughts. Finally, the child learns to express opinions and more complex ideas.
The supporters of the Classical Education Model argue that the modern education system expects kids to master subjects before mastering the skill of learning. A bit like putting the cart before the horse?
If you are looking into more information on [http://www.greathomeschoolconventions.com/classical-education-model]Classical Education Model or would like to know about some great homeschool conventions visit http://www.greathomeschoolconventions.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Classical-Education-Model&id=6631125] The Classical Education Model
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Use the Pomodoro Technique To Keep Your ADD/ADHD Homeschooler On Track
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Erika_Finks]Erika Finks
Anyone who homeschools knows that it can be difficult to keep kids focused on their work. There are a lot of distractions that can sidetrack you or your child, and this is particularly difficult for children with ADD/ADHD.
If you have a child with ADD or ADHD, you are probably on the lookout for solutions constantly. The schedule seems to be the biggest challenge for many homeschool moms. The Pomodoro technique may be just what you and your child need to get things done.
What is the Pomodoro Technique?
The Pomodoro Technique is actually from a book on time management. It delves into how we perceive time, and how to change our habits and thought processes in order to better utilize our time.
If you are thinking about using this technique, you should definitely get the book and read the whole thing so that you fully understand all the fundamentals that can't be condensed into this article. But the part that can really benefit your child's homeschooling is the timer technique that the book is centered around.
How the Pomodoro Technique Works
The first thing you should do is find a digital timer that your child can use easily. Obviously this will vary according to your child and their age. Everything from watches to kitchen timers work just fine, but portable timers are best since they can be used anywhere.
As you begin to use the Pomodoro Technique, sit down with your child and make a list of what needs to be accomplished. Do this the night before or first thing in the morning.
For every item on the list, set the timer for 25 minutes. Have your child work on the item for 25 minutes, and when the timer goes off, let them have a break. 5 minutes is the recommended break time, but some people will take a 10 minute break. Whatever length of time you choose, just be sure your child sticks to it.
Once the break is over, they reset the timer for 25 minutes and either carries on with the previous item on the list if it wasn't finished, or starts on the next one.
Give Them Something to Look Forward To
This method can be very effective for anyone, but for a homeschooler with ADD or ADHD, it can really be a breath of fresh air. The child can work on their projects with a better attitude, because they know that there is a finite amount of time before they get to do something they want to do. Children with ADD/ADHD can really get bogged down if they don't know how long a project is going to take, and feel they are stuck there until it is finished. When they know there is a timer counting down, and then they will be allowed to do something fun, they can apply themselves better. There is light at the end of the tunnel, so to speak.
Make sure the reward is laid out ahead of time, especially when you first begin using this method. It can be reading, drawing, going outside and playing, or whatever you and your child decide on. Keep in mind that for kids with ADHD, physical activity during breaks may actually help them focus even better.
Try the Pomodoro technique for a week and see how it does for your child. It may be just the right amount of structure and flexibility they need, and you may even find yourself getting more done as well.
Erika is a writer who has not only used the Pomodoro Technique, but also homeschooled her son using the [http://www.abeka-homeschool.com/]Abeka homeschool curriculum. If you want to start homeschooling, the [http://www.abeka-homeschool.com/abeka_preschool_curriculum.html]Abeka Preschool curriculum is a complete program that gives you everything you need including lesson plans and teaching guides.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Use-the-Pomodoro-Technique-To-Keep-Your-ADD/ADHD-Homeschooler-On-Track&id=6637074] Use the Pomodoro Technique To Keep Your ADD/ADHD Homeschooler On Track
Anyone who homeschools knows that it can be difficult to keep kids focused on their work. There are a lot of distractions that can sidetrack you or your child, and this is particularly difficult for children with ADD/ADHD.
If you have a child with ADD or ADHD, you are probably on the lookout for solutions constantly. The schedule seems to be the biggest challenge for many homeschool moms. The Pomodoro technique may be just what you and your child need to get things done.
What is the Pomodoro Technique?
The Pomodoro Technique is actually from a book on time management. It delves into how we perceive time, and how to change our habits and thought processes in order to better utilize our time.
If you are thinking about using this technique, you should definitely get the book and read the whole thing so that you fully understand all the fundamentals that can't be condensed into this article. But the part that can really benefit your child's homeschooling is the timer technique that the book is centered around.
How the Pomodoro Technique Works
The first thing you should do is find a digital timer that your child can use easily. Obviously this will vary according to your child and their age. Everything from watches to kitchen timers work just fine, but portable timers are best since they can be used anywhere.
As you begin to use the Pomodoro Technique, sit down with your child and make a list of what needs to be accomplished. Do this the night before or first thing in the morning.
For every item on the list, set the timer for 25 minutes. Have your child work on the item for 25 minutes, and when the timer goes off, let them have a break. 5 minutes is the recommended break time, but some people will take a 10 minute break. Whatever length of time you choose, just be sure your child sticks to it.
Once the break is over, they reset the timer for 25 minutes and either carries on with the previous item on the list if it wasn't finished, or starts on the next one.
Give Them Something to Look Forward To
This method can be very effective for anyone, but for a homeschooler with ADD or ADHD, it can really be a breath of fresh air. The child can work on their projects with a better attitude, because they know that there is a finite amount of time before they get to do something they want to do. Children with ADD/ADHD can really get bogged down if they don't know how long a project is going to take, and feel they are stuck there until it is finished. When they know there is a timer counting down, and then they will be allowed to do something fun, they can apply themselves better. There is light at the end of the tunnel, so to speak.
Make sure the reward is laid out ahead of time, especially when you first begin using this method. It can be reading, drawing, going outside and playing, or whatever you and your child decide on. Keep in mind that for kids with ADHD, physical activity during breaks may actually help them focus even better.
Try the Pomodoro technique for a week and see how it does for your child. It may be just the right amount of structure and flexibility they need, and you may even find yourself getting more done as well.
Erika is a writer who has not only used the Pomodoro Technique, but also homeschooled her son using the [http://www.abeka-homeschool.com/]Abeka homeschool curriculum. If you want to start homeschooling, the [http://www.abeka-homeschool.com/abeka_preschool_curriculum.html]Abeka Preschool curriculum is a complete program that gives you everything you need including lesson plans and teaching guides.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Use-the-Pomodoro-Technique-To-Keep-Your-ADD/ADHD-Homeschooler-On-Track&id=6637074] Use the Pomodoro Technique To Keep Your ADD/ADHD Homeschooler On Track
Sunday, December 4, 2011
I'm Not a Teacher - How Can I Homeschool?
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Erika_Finks]Erika Finks
As crowding, bullying, and other serious issues become more prevalent in public schools, many parents are looking at homeschooling. There are many reasons to homeschool and so many rewards that can be gained from it, but a lot of parents question their ability to teach their children.
A Parent is a Teacher Already
The idea that a parent can't teach properly because they don't have a degree that says they are an official educator is silly. As a parent, you teach your kids for years before they hit school age. You teach them words, sounds, colors, cooking, letters, counting, beginning reading and anything else they do on a daily basis. Teaching a child in homeschool is the very same methods, only the materials and concepts are provided for you in the curriculum. Rest assured there are curriculums out there that actually tell you how to teach the subject.
All You Need Is Passion and a Curriculum
Honestly, the only 2 things you need to be a great teacher for your child are the desire to give them the best education possible and a good curriculum that fits your child's personality. In fact, one of the biggest reasons many parents choose to homeschool is that they are dissatisfied with what public schools offer.
When a child goes to public school, much of their day is spent getting ready, commuting, waiting for teachers, and not getting the attention they need. One study suggests that only 1 out of every 9 hours of public school is spent actually learning. Many parents also dislike what is taught in public school curriculums now.
When you homeschool your children, they don't have to waste hours of their day on all those logistics. Also, when they get stuck on something, they can ask you about it right away and get clarification quickly. This means that homeschooled kids can get just as much learning in considerably less time than public schooled children. That's why many homeschool schedules are between 3-5 hours per day.
All Your Resources Are At Your Fingertips
If you are still worried about how you will teach your children, all you need to do is look at some of the many homeschooling curriculums that are available. You can buy sets of books that not only include a textbook and workbook for your child, but a teaching guide for you as well. Many will even tell you, word for word, how to explain a concept. The curriculums are generally written by professional educators with a Masters or Doctorate degree, so you can be sure the material is accurate.
This means that you don't have to be an expert in any of the subjects in order to teach it to your child. You just have to be able to follow the instructions in the teacher's book.
Your Doubts Will Dissolve
When you head into homeschooling, you need to acknowledge that you will have doubts. You will wonder if you made the right decision for your child, and when they struggle you will question your ability to teach them. But this will pass with time. As you watch your child excel in certain subjects that they love, and have time to work through harder ones at their own pace, you will see that you have given them a great gift: An atmosphere where their learning is not determined by the children surrounding them.
You will also be reassured when you see just how close you and your children become while homeschooling. By homeschooling you are not only giving your kids a great education, you are also creating family bonds that will last a lifetime. You don't have to be a teacher in order to homeschool - teaching comes naturally to you as a parent.
Erika is a writer who is not a teacher, but has homeschooled her son using the [http://www.abeka-homeschool.com/]Abeka homeschool curriculum. If you want to start homeschooling, the [http://www.abeka-homeschool.com/abeka_preschool_curriculum.html]Abeka Preschool curriculum is a complete program that gives you everything you need including lesson plans and teaching guides. For older children, there is an Abeka curriculum for every grade level.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Im-Not-a-Teacher---How-Can-I-Homeschool?&id=6637775] I'm Not a Teacher - How Can I Homeschool?
As crowding, bullying, and other serious issues become more prevalent in public schools, many parents are looking at homeschooling. There are many reasons to homeschool and so many rewards that can be gained from it, but a lot of parents question their ability to teach their children.
A Parent is a Teacher Already
The idea that a parent can't teach properly because they don't have a degree that says they are an official educator is silly. As a parent, you teach your kids for years before they hit school age. You teach them words, sounds, colors, cooking, letters, counting, beginning reading and anything else they do on a daily basis. Teaching a child in homeschool is the very same methods, only the materials and concepts are provided for you in the curriculum. Rest assured there are curriculums out there that actually tell you how to teach the subject.
All You Need Is Passion and a Curriculum
Honestly, the only 2 things you need to be a great teacher for your child are the desire to give them the best education possible and a good curriculum that fits your child's personality. In fact, one of the biggest reasons many parents choose to homeschool is that they are dissatisfied with what public schools offer.
When a child goes to public school, much of their day is spent getting ready, commuting, waiting for teachers, and not getting the attention they need. One study suggests that only 1 out of every 9 hours of public school is spent actually learning. Many parents also dislike what is taught in public school curriculums now.
When you homeschool your children, they don't have to waste hours of their day on all those logistics. Also, when they get stuck on something, they can ask you about it right away and get clarification quickly. This means that homeschooled kids can get just as much learning in considerably less time than public schooled children. That's why many homeschool schedules are between 3-5 hours per day.
All Your Resources Are At Your Fingertips
If you are still worried about how you will teach your children, all you need to do is look at some of the many homeschooling curriculums that are available. You can buy sets of books that not only include a textbook and workbook for your child, but a teaching guide for you as well. Many will even tell you, word for word, how to explain a concept. The curriculums are generally written by professional educators with a Masters or Doctorate degree, so you can be sure the material is accurate.
This means that you don't have to be an expert in any of the subjects in order to teach it to your child. You just have to be able to follow the instructions in the teacher's book.
Your Doubts Will Dissolve
When you head into homeschooling, you need to acknowledge that you will have doubts. You will wonder if you made the right decision for your child, and when they struggle you will question your ability to teach them. But this will pass with time. As you watch your child excel in certain subjects that they love, and have time to work through harder ones at their own pace, you will see that you have given them a great gift: An atmosphere where their learning is not determined by the children surrounding them.
You will also be reassured when you see just how close you and your children become while homeschooling. By homeschooling you are not only giving your kids a great education, you are also creating family bonds that will last a lifetime. You don't have to be a teacher in order to homeschool - teaching comes naturally to you as a parent.
Erika is a writer who is not a teacher, but has homeschooled her son using the [http://www.abeka-homeschool.com/]Abeka homeschool curriculum. If you want to start homeschooling, the [http://www.abeka-homeschool.com/abeka_preschool_curriculum.html]Abeka Preschool curriculum is a complete program that gives you everything you need including lesson plans and teaching guides. For older children, there is an Abeka curriculum for every grade level.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Im-Not-a-Teacher---How-Can-I-Homeschool?&id=6637775] I'm Not a Teacher - How Can I Homeschool?
Friday, December 2, 2011
Getting BIG Scholarships - Full-Tuition Scholarship Competition
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Lee_Binz]Lee Binz
Homeschool parents are perfectly situated to get their children the maximum scholarships because they are very involved with their child's schooling and are able to plan early. The biggest problem about getting scholarships is when parents wait until after junior year or sometimes even senior year before they start thinking about. When you realize the need too late it gets a little hard to jump through all of the hoops you need to jump through.
My two children are two years apart but I did end up graduating them at the same time. When I graduated them, there was a time when we were waiting for the phone call about the tuition scholarships. They went to a competition to see who would get the full tuition scholarships; it was a full day competition that lasted about eight hours.
Each of the participants was told to bring something that demonstrated who they were as a person. My older son brought his chess demonstration board and my younger son brought a charcoal drawing of the French economist, Jean Baptiste Say. Each planned on talking about their area of passionate interest.
When they got home, they did not talk about the competition; they talked about how fun it was to talk to all these smart kids who were really nice. I didn't really know what to expect since my kids talked about these kids having great grades and being special.
As typical worrying parents, we were wondering what would happen if one kid got the scholarship and the other didn't - they are both pretty smart, competitive, and they are both boys. The first call I got was actually for my younger son who received a full tuition scholarship. We continued to be anxious as we never heard back on our other son. Eventually, we did get the second call and learned we had received full-tuition scholarships for both of the boys.
Frankly speaking, we didn't have the money for college and $184,000 worth of full tuition scholarships between the two kids really helped us. We were exceedingly thankful that we were involved in our sons' high school education and that they could attend the college they chose.
Knowing how to get the [http://www.thehomescholar.com/vmchk/ala-carte/getting-the-big-scholarships-online-training/flypage.tpl.php]big scholarships is just one of the things homeschool high school parents need to know. My Total Transcript Solution will show you how to create an AMAZING [http://www.totaltranscriptsolution.com]homeschool transcript that will impress the colleges! Lee Binz, The HomeScholar, is a homeschool high school expert. Learn more about her at TheHomeScholar.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Getting-BIG-Scholarships---Full-Tuition-Scholarship-Competition&id=6643980] Getting BIG Scholarships - Full-Tuition Scholarship Competition
Homeschool parents are perfectly situated to get their children the maximum scholarships because they are very involved with their child's schooling and are able to plan early. The biggest problem about getting scholarships is when parents wait until after junior year or sometimes even senior year before they start thinking about. When you realize the need too late it gets a little hard to jump through all of the hoops you need to jump through.
My two children are two years apart but I did end up graduating them at the same time. When I graduated them, there was a time when we were waiting for the phone call about the tuition scholarships. They went to a competition to see who would get the full tuition scholarships; it was a full day competition that lasted about eight hours.
Each of the participants was told to bring something that demonstrated who they were as a person. My older son brought his chess demonstration board and my younger son brought a charcoal drawing of the French economist, Jean Baptiste Say. Each planned on talking about their area of passionate interest.
When they got home, they did not talk about the competition; they talked about how fun it was to talk to all these smart kids who were really nice. I didn't really know what to expect since my kids talked about these kids having great grades and being special.
As typical worrying parents, we were wondering what would happen if one kid got the scholarship and the other didn't - they are both pretty smart, competitive, and they are both boys. The first call I got was actually for my younger son who received a full tuition scholarship. We continued to be anxious as we never heard back on our other son. Eventually, we did get the second call and learned we had received full-tuition scholarships for both of the boys.
Frankly speaking, we didn't have the money for college and $184,000 worth of full tuition scholarships between the two kids really helped us. We were exceedingly thankful that we were involved in our sons' high school education and that they could attend the college they chose.
Knowing how to get the [http://www.thehomescholar.com/vmchk/ala-carte/getting-the-big-scholarships-online-training/flypage.tpl.php]big scholarships is just one of the things homeschool high school parents need to know. My Total Transcript Solution will show you how to create an AMAZING [http://www.totaltranscriptsolution.com]homeschool transcript that will impress the colleges! Lee Binz, The HomeScholar, is a homeschool high school expert. Learn more about her at TheHomeScholar.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Getting-BIG-Scholarships---Full-Tuition-Scholarship-Competition&id=6643980] Getting BIG Scholarships - Full-Tuition Scholarship Competition
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Homeschool Records - Preparing for College
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Lee_Binz]Lee Binz
Saving samples and records of your high school students work is an important aspect of preparing for college. Our recall is not always the best and being able to remember what your child did as a freshman could prove to be quite difficult without good record keeping.
When saving your student's homeschool records it is a good idea to have a place to put each subject area that you teach and to put any papers there that you can find. If your student is writing something for English, it is hard to know what class it is eventually going to go into. It doesn't really matter where you put it; what matters is that you put it somewhere.
Having a notebook with a subject tab is beneficial because it helps you figure out what subjects are lacking records. Colleges may ask to see work samples, but you never know what the colleges are going to ask for. Some colleges may want to see a lab write-up from a science class. Others may want to see a math paper or a math test. They may want to see the student's own handwriting on the paper. One of the colleges that we applied to wanted a graded English paper.
I wrote a course description for each of the classes as we went along. I wrote it as a paragraph, listed the things we did or used, wrote every possible way that I evaluated them and put that on the bottom.
It's important to know that the way you evaluate your children is not all about testing. Testing is a very small piece of how we evaluate our children. The kids in public schools are not solely evaluated on tests, either. When they go to school, they might be given a grade that's based on many different things. If you, as a homeschooler, are only giving a grade based on your end of chapter tests, you're putting them at a disadvantage against every other student.
Sometimes colleges will ask for other things from people as well. They will occasionally ask for more from a homeschooler, like a written paper. I've talked to a lot of colleges and they're very frustrated at the state of education in our country. How they can have four years of English and come to college without the ability to read or write? Most college admissions will ask for samples from everyone, not only homeschoolers.
Don't make the mistake of not saving samples of your student's work either as a reminder for creating a transcript or for when the college makes a request. Do you need help putting together an amazing transcript that will catch the eye of your dream college? Lee Binz, The HomeScholar, is an expert in how to craft a winning [http://www.totaltranscriptsolution.com]homeschool transcript. She has an award-winning [http://www.thehomescholar.com/blog/]Christian homeschool blog. You can find Lee online at TheHomeScholar.com.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Homeschool-Records---Preparing-for-College&id=6634808] Homeschool Records - Preparing for College
Saving samples and records of your high school students work is an important aspect of preparing for college. Our recall is not always the best and being able to remember what your child did as a freshman could prove to be quite difficult without good record keeping.
When saving your student's homeschool records it is a good idea to have a place to put each subject area that you teach and to put any papers there that you can find. If your student is writing something for English, it is hard to know what class it is eventually going to go into. It doesn't really matter where you put it; what matters is that you put it somewhere.
Having a notebook with a subject tab is beneficial because it helps you figure out what subjects are lacking records. Colleges may ask to see work samples, but you never know what the colleges are going to ask for. Some colleges may want to see a lab write-up from a science class. Others may want to see a math paper or a math test. They may want to see the student's own handwriting on the paper. One of the colleges that we applied to wanted a graded English paper.
I wrote a course description for each of the classes as we went along. I wrote it as a paragraph, listed the things we did or used, wrote every possible way that I evaluated them and put that on the bottom.
It's important to know that the way you evaluate your children is not all about testing. Testing is a very small piece of how we evaluate our children. The kids in public schools are not solely evaluated on tests, either. When they go to school, they might be given a grade that's based on many different things. If you, as a homeschooler, are only giving a grade based on your end of chapter tests, you're putting them at a disadvantage against every other student.
Sometimes colleges will ask for other things from people as well. They will occasionally ask for more from a homeschooler, like a written paper. I've talked to a lot of colleges and they're very frustrated at the state of education in our country. How they can have four years of English and come to college without the ability to read or write? Most college admissions will ask for samples from everyone, not only homeschoolers.
Don't make the mistake of not saving samples of your student's work either as a reminder for creating a transcript or for when the college makes a request. Do you need help putting together an amazing transcript that will catch the eye of your dream college? Lee Binz, The HomeScholar, is an expert in how to craft a winning [http://www.totaltranscriptsolution.com]homeschool transcript. She has an award-winning [http://www.thehomescholar.com/blog/]Christian homeschool blog. You can find Lee online at TheHomeScholar.com.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Homeschool-Records---Preparing-for-College&id=6634808] Homeschool Records - Preparing for College
Monday, November 28, 2011
Homeschooling - How to Motivate a Reluctant Learner
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_Bond]Jennifer Bond
The number of people homeschooling their children is growing as more people decide to leave mainstream schooling and elect to educate their children at home. In an ideal world, no child would be reluctant to learn; however, this is sometimes the case. Often, it is simply a stage and with a little more maturity the problem disappears. Other children may have had negative experiences that have clouded any learning experiences. Whatever the reason, children can waste an inordinate amount of time with delaying tactics and generally putting off getting on with work and this is frustrating for everyone concerned.
These methods are guaranteed to inject some structure into the school day for the reluctant learner.
Make a set of school rules.
This is a great activity for the whole family as everyone has a chance to put forward their views. All people involved in the activity should have a voice and their opinion given weight. How the rules progress will largely depend on the values of the family but framing statements as a positive is the best way to go. For example, one of the rules may be 'Ask if you want to borrow someone's belongings' rather than, 'Don't take other people belongings'.
Then as a school activity make a chart outlining the rules and decorate. The reluctant learner is far more likely to respect the rules when they have had a part in developing the rules.
What's next?
Reluctant learners often see the school day as stretching on and on with no end in sight. With a timetable clearly visible everyone knows what is coming up next. Just be sure to let everyone know that the timetable is flexible to take into account those on the spot learning opportunities.
Time for a break
Have lots of short breaks in the day. Reluctant learners may have poor concentration so a short break every 10 minutes or as required can be the start that is needed. A short break may be simply going to get a drink of water and walking around the garden to drink it, and then back to work. Use a cell phone alarm to signify longer break times for mid morning or lunch breaks.
Bravo! Job well done.
Always reward a job well done. It is nice to receive recognition for a job well done and doesn't hurt to have a range of rewards for special occasions. Some examples might be, choosing what to have for dinner, staying up an extra half hour, half an hour of free time at school to read or do an activity of choice, going for a walk and talk with a parent (one on one time).
Do the hard stuff
Get right in and do the most difficult subject first. It's then over and done with.
Bit by bit
Do everything associated with the task in a bit by bit approach, gradually getting bits done. This reduces the size of the overall task and makes it seem less daunting.
By employing some of these strategies and with a good dose of patience you will have success with a reluctant learner. Often the stumbling block can be chipped away with patience and a positive outlook instilling a sense of purpose and achievement in the reluctant learner that really makes a difference.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Homeschooling---How-to-Motivate-a-Reluctant-Learner&id=6636626] Homeschooling - How to Motivate a Reluctant Learner
The number of people homeschooling their children is growing as more people decide to leave mainstream schooling and elect to educate their children at home. In an ideal world, no child would be reluctant to learn; however, this is sometimes the case. Often, it is simply a stage and with a little more maturity the problem disappears. Other children may have had negative experiences that have clouded any learning experiences. Whatever the reason, children can waste an inordinate amount of time with delaying tactics and generally putting off getting on with work and this is frustrating for everyone concerned.
These methods are guaranteed to inject some structure into the school day for the reluctant learner.
Make a set of school rules.
This is a great activity for the whole family as everyone has a chance to put forward their views. All people involved in the activity should have a voice and their opinion given weight. How the rules progress will largely depend on the values of the family but framing statements as a positive is the best way to go. For example, one of the rules may be 'Ask if you want to borrow someone's belongings' rather than, 'Don't take other people belongings'.
Then as a school activity make a chart outlining the rules and decorate. The reluctant learner is far more likely to respect the rules when they have had a part in developing the rules.
What's next?
Reluctant learners often see the school day as stretching on and on with no end in sight. With a timetable clearly visible everyone knows what is coming up next. Just be sure to let everyone know that the timetable is flexible to take into account those on the spot learning opportunities.
Time for a break
Have lots of short breaks in the day. Reluctant learners may have poor concentration so a short break every 10 minutes or as required can be the start that is needed. A short break may be simply going to get a drink of water and walking around the garden to drink it, and then back to work. Use a cell phone alarm to signify longer break times for mid morning or lunch breaks.
Bravo! Job well done.
Always reward a job well done. It is nice to receive recognition for a job well done and doesn't hurt to have a range of rewards for special occasions. Some examples might be, choosing what to have for dinner, staying up an extra half hour, half an hour of free time at school to read or do an activity of choice, going for a walk and talk with a parent (one on one time).
Do the hard stuff
Get right in and do the most difficult subject first. It's then over and done with.
Bit by bit
Do everything associated with the task in a bit by bit approach, gradually getting bits done. This reduces the size of the overall task and makes it seem less daunting.
By employing some of these strategies and with a good dose of patience you will have success with a reluctant learner. Often the stumbling block can be chipped away with patience and a positive outlook instilling a sense of purpose and achievement in the reluctant learner that really makes a difference.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Homeschooling---How-to-Motivate-a-Reluctant-Learner&id=6636626] Homeschooling - How to Motivate a Reluctant Learner
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Making Your Way Around With Certified Home School Programs
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Adam_Emerson]Adam Emerson For a school to be accredited, a third party also assess its documentation, organization techniques, along with ambitions for continuing to get better. This keeps families from potentially losing a lot of cash on a home school program that won't be accepted by schools or other institutions. Accrediting establishments commonly acknowledge and honor one another's certification, yet it is not a complete assure that all credits are going to be accepted. Moreover, a few certified homeschooling programs qualify as private online learning establishments making the legal aspect of home education much easier (according to state regulations).
In case your family chooses to work alongside an unapproved school, a wide range of educational institutions and colleges will probably still take your children as students, due to the fact typical home schooling isn't cancelled carelessly. By mentioning so, bear in mind that by choosing an unaccredited programs,you're not going to prevent your child from attending school. A lot of home schoolers who're not as much regimented, choose an unaccredited program. Unschooling families take it to the extreme and don't have any curriculum by any means which can make higher education more difficult.
Good examples of Approved Homeschooling Programs
'Oak Meadow' is just one of the best recognised home school programs available nowadays. These guys offer learning at your home along with some structure, though more than enough creativeness and flexibility to engage most children. They obviously, as an accredited school, offer you formal transcripts which will ease transitions towards a public school if such a change come to be essential or desired. Oak Meadow offers an accredited home schooling program for K through 12. It is tuition based and could sadly be out of reach for a lot of families.
Another option stands out as the Calvert School. It is a thoroughly recognised home schooling program that is for grades kindergarten through 8. The Calvert School is different in that it's specific approaches aimed at pupils who struggle with numbers, reading, or spelling. They also have ways to aid students with dyslexia and other learning difficulties. Because of these specific benefits, the Calvert School is an excellent option for families with considerations concerning learning issues.
'K12' is yet another completely certified home school program intended for grades kindergarten thru 12. K12 provides no cost public school choices in lots of states. Pupils in other states or overseas individuals can enroll in the private schools associated with the program. Either are completely accredited and provide excellent education and learning. K12 is based on the principle a large number of learners face difficulties on the educational continuum in subjects. It makes it possible for individuals to work at their own speed while making sure all the information you need is learned. K12 is a secular home school, which means the programs is not inspired by non secular leanings. This may be viewed as a good or perhaps a undesirable based on a family's priorities.
'The Heartland Christian Academy' is an accredited home school program that has curriculum for grades kindergarten - 12. This curriculum is based in biblical beliefs, and information is presented from a Religious world point of view. 'The Heartland Christian Academy' emphasizes that education is a lot more than information mastery - but around forming a kid's persona so he or she will be a person with ethics. The Heartland Christian Academy is tuition based but is quite inexpensive in comparison to similar approved homeschooling programs.
Conclusion
There are lots of concerns that have to go into choosing a [http://www.homeschoolingprograms.net]homeschooling program that fits your family's needs. Religious belief, qualifications, unique offerings, in addition to the over-all impression of the [http://www.homeschoolingprograms.net]homeschooling program. It can require a few times of experimenting to find the best match, but perseverance is worth it.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Making-Your-Way-Around-With-Certified-Home-School-Programs&id=6644293] Making Your Way Around With Certified Home School Programs
In case your family chooses to work alongside an unapproved school, a wide range of educational institutions and colleges will probably still take your children as students, due to the fact typical home schooling isn't cancelled carelessly. By mentioning so, bear in mind that by choosing an unaccredited programs,you're not going to prevent your child from attending school. A lot of home schoolers who're not as much regimented, choose an unaccredited program. Unschooling families take it to the extreme and don't have any curriculum by any means which can make higher education more difficult.
Good examples of Approved Homeschooling Programs
'Oak Meadow' is just one of the best recognised home school programs available nowadays. These guys offer learning at your home along with some structure, though more than enough creativeness and flexibility to engage most children. They obviously, as an accredited school, offer you formal transcripts which will ease transitions towards a public school if such a change come to be essential or desired. Oak Meadow offers an accredited home schooling program for K through 12. It is tuition based and could sadly be out of reach for a lot of families.
Another option stands out as the Calvert School. It is a thoroughly recognised home schooling program that is for grades kindergarten through 8. The Calvert School is different in that it's specific approaches aimed at pupils who struggle with numbers, reading, or spelling. They also have ways to aid students with dyslexia and other learning difficulties. Because of these specific benefits, the Calvert School is an excellent option for families with considerations concerning learning issues.
'K12' is yet another completely certified home school program intended for grades kindergarten thru 12. K12 provides no cost public school choices in lots of states. Pupils in other states or overseas individuals can enroll in the private schools associated with the program. Either are completely accredited and provide excellent education and learning. K12 is based on the principle a large number of learners face difficulties on the educational continuum in subjects. It makes it possible for individuals to work at their own speed while making sure all the information you need is learned. K12 is a secular home school, which means the programs is not inspired by non secular leanings. This may be viewed as a good or perhaps a undesirable based on a family's priorities.
'The Heartland Christian Academy' is an accredited home school program that has curriculum for grades kindergarten - 12. This curriculum is based in biblical beliefs, and information is presented from a Religious world point of view. 'The Heartland Christian Academy' emphasizes that education is a lot more than information mastery - but around forming a kid's persona so he or she will be a person with ethics. The Heartland Christian Academy is tuition based but is quite inexpensive in comparison to similar approved homeschooling programs.
Conclusion
There are lots of concerns that have to go into choosing a [http://www.homeschoolingprograms.net]homeschooling program that fits your family's needs. Religious belief, qualifications, unique offerings, in addition to the over-all impression of the [http://www.homeschoolingprograms.net]homeschooling program. It can require a few times of experimenting to find the best match, but perseverance is worth it.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Making-Your-Way-Around-With-Certified-Home-School-Programs&id=6644293] Making Your Way Around With Certified Home School Programs
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Math for Homeschoolers With Special Needs
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Crystal_Pratt]Crystal Pratt
Math can be a challenge for children with special needs, leaving many homeschooling parents-not to mention kids-feeling overwhelmed. However, there are many math games and activities that can make learning math concepts easier and more enjoyable. Using a variety of games, especially those that are hands-on, can help children with learning disabilities retain more of the concepts being taught. Grasping the meaning of the math lesson is also essential to successful learning, as math tends to build on the lesson that comes before it.
So where do you start? And with so many to choose from, how do you know which math activities will work for your child? First of all, you need to keep in mind that all children learn differently. Therefore, they will need lessons that are tailor-made to fit their particular learning needs.
When it comes to choosing math for homeschoolers with special needs, try to seek out activities that you can center around their interests and fit to their learning styles. For instance, you can personalize math lessons or activities by including a favorite hobby or game-turn a favorite board game into a math lesson. You can use real events or experiences and even include some of your child's own ideas. Try making a trip to the grocery store a lesson on decimals or addition.
Math games are a great way for your child to practice his skills. He may have so much fun that it may be difficult to convince him that it is actually a math lesson! Math games and other resources are readily available online and in many curriculum packages. If cost is a factor, there are many activities that you can put together on your own. Just do a simple search online for "free math games."
Some of the more popular math games include sequencing games, picture-to-count sets, and math bingo. Other fun, hands-on activities may include humorous word problems using fun props like toys, puppets, etc. that you or your child demonstrate the problems and solutions to each other. Math memory and concentration games are also popular learning tools for kids. Flash cards can be used for a variety of games and are easy to make yourself.
There are a variety of resources that you can use to make math more fun and engaging for your special needs child. It's okay to have fun while learning math. Listen to your child's needs, watch for cues to let you know when your child is getting frustrated with a particular method, and don't be afraid to mix things up. Teaching math doesn't have to be overwhelming. Relax and have fun with it. When you do, so will your child.
Verticy is a joint learning initiative of Calvert School and Jemicy School. Rekindle your student's love of learning with Verticy. You can learn more about Verticy Learning at http://www.verticylearning.org/ or visit Calvert School at http://homeschool.calvertschool.org/
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Math-for-Homeschoolers-With-Special-Needs&id=6651413] Math for Homeschoolers With Special Needs
Math can be a challenge for children with special needs, leaving many homeschooling parents-not to mention kids-feeling overwhelmed. However, there are many math games and activities that can make learning math concepts easier and more enjoyable. Using a variety of games, especially those that are hands-on, can help children with learning disabilities retain more of the concepts being taught. Grasping the meaning of the math lesson is also essential to successful learning, as math tends to build on the lesson that comes before it.
So where do you start? And with so many to choose from, how do you know which math activities will work for your child? First of all, you need to keep in mind that all children learn differently. Therefore, they will need lessons that are tailor-made to fit their particular learning needs.
When it comes to choosing math for homeschoolers with special needs, try to seek out activities that you can center around their interests and fit to their learning styles. For instance, you can personalize math lessons or activities by including a favorite hobby or game-turn a favorite board game into a math lesson. You can use real events or experiences and even include some of your child's own ideas. Try making a trip to the grocery store a lesson on decimals or addition.
Math games are a great way for your child to practice his skills. He may have so much fun that it may be difficult to convince him that it is actually a math lesson! Math games and other resources are readily available online and in many curriculum packages. If cost is a factor, there are many activities that you can put together on your own. Just do a simple search online for "free math games."
Some of the more popular math games include sequencing games, picture-to-count sets, and math bingo. Other fun, hands-on activities may include humorous word problems using fun props like toys, puppets, etc. that you or your child demonstrate the problems and solutions to each other. Math memory and concentration games are also popular learning tools for kids. Flash cards can be used for a variety of games and are easy to make yourself.
There are a variety of resources that you can use to make math more fun and engaging for your special needs child. It's okay to have fun while learning math. Listen to your child's needs, watch for cues to let you know when your child is getting frustrated with a particular method, and don't be afraid to mix things up. Teaching math doesn't have to be overwhelming. Relax and have fun with it. When you do, so will your child.
Verticy is a joint learning initiative of Calvert School and Jemicy School. Rekindle your student's love of learning with Verticy. You can learn more about Verticy Learning at http://www.verticylearning.org/ or visit Calvert School at http://homeschool.calvertschool.org/
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Math-for-Homeschoolers-With-Special-Needs&id=6651413] Math for Homeschoolers With Special Needs
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Special Needs Homeschool Curriculum: Creating a Lesson Plan for the Learning Disabled
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Crystal_Pratt]Crystal Pratt
Are you struggling with your current homeschool curriculum? Does it seem like your special needs child is moving backward rather than forward, or perhaps not progressing at all? Perhaps you're new to the homeschool scene and simply need help creating a suitable lesson plan for your special needs child. It may be time for you to reassess your child's needs. Whatever the case may be, there are a number of avenues that homeschool parents can explore to find and create the most suitable curriculum for their unique situation.
When you teach your child at home, there opportunities are limitless. You have the freedom to teach based on your child's needs and interests. (Do always remember to check your state's guidelines for reporting and record keeping.) And particularly with a special needs homeschool curriculum, you're free to use your imagination in order to help your child grasp learning concepts in a fun and engaging way.
Before you begin your homeschooling journey, determine your goals. What do you want or need to teach? What method would your child be most receptive to? Most kids with learning disabilities respond better to an interactive learning environment, one where they can use their hands or be free to move around to express their ideas. Multi-sensory instruction is a useful tool for working with any child, but those with special learning needs often respond well to this type of instruction.
With so many options, how do you begin? First, look for ways to make the lesson plan visually appealing. Use picture books, drawings, colorful flash cards, etc. You can incorporate hands-on experiments and field trips that allow kids to 'see' what they're learning. For example, you can help your child to better understand the concept of first, middle, last or simple directions by teaching these concepts using a recipe for a favorite treat, and following the steps in the recipe.
You'll also want to implement auditory methods into the lesson so your child can 'hear' the steps while seeing them. Use a book on tape or a how-to video of the recipe. You can read aloud or even create a fun jingle so that your child can sing along with each step. See the following example, which uses repetition:
First, we gather up what we need, what we need.
Next we're gonna mix it up, mix it up.
Roll the balls of cookie dough, cookie dough.
Put them on a pan and bake 'em up, bake 'em up.
Clean up the dishes while they bake, while they bake.
When they're done, we can eat, eat, eat...eat, eat, eat."
Finally, add other sensory tools such as movement and touch. This can be done with dance, artwork, manipulatives, etc. Continuing with the recipe example: Have your child seek out the materials/ingredients with a fun scavenger hunt, while singing the jingle. Let him then mix the ingredients and feel the dough. Don't forget to have your child help with the cleanup process, as this will help reinforce social skills.
As the 'ending' nears, you can go over your child's knowledge of comprehension as the cookies bake. For instance, you can include memory games relating to the lesson using pictures and match them to words-a picture of a mixing bowl with the word mix, a picture of an oven with word bake, and so on. Have your child then put these in order from first to last. Then, give the reward of the finished product: a tasty treat.
Creating a lesson plan for children with learning disabilities need not be a challenge. By implementing a fun and engaging special needs homeschool curriculum methods, the lessons being taught become much more meaningful and will result in better memory retention.
Verticy is a joint learning initiative of Calvert School and Jemicy School. Rekindle your student's love of learning with Verticy. You can learn more about Verticy Learning at http://www.verticylearning.org/ or visit Calvert School at http://homeschool.calvertschool.org/
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Special-Needs-Homeschool-Curriculum:-Creating-a-Lesson-Plan-for-the-Learning-Disabled&id=6651404] Special Needs Homeschool Curriculum: Creating a Lesson Plan for the Learning Disabled
Are you struggling with your current homeschool curriculum? Does it seem like your special needs child is moving backward rather than forward, or perhaps not progressing at all? Perhaps you're new to the homeschool scene and simply need help creating a suitable lesson plan for your special needs child. It may be time for you to reassess your child's needs. Whatever the case may be, there are a number of avenues that homeschool parents can explore to find and create the most suitable curriculum for their unique situation.
When you teach your child at home, there opportunities are limitless. You have the freedom to teach based on your child's needs and interests. (Do always remember to check your state's guidelines for reporting and record keeping.) And particularly with a special needs homeschool curriculum, you're free to use your imagination in order to help your child grasp learning concepts in a fun and engaging way.
Before you begin your homeschooling journey, determine your goals. What do you want or need to teach? What method would your child be most receptive to? Most kids with learning disabilities respond better to an interactive learning environment, one where they can use their hands or be free to move around to express their ideas. Multi-sensory instruction is a useful tool for working with any child, but those with special learning needs often respond well to this type of instruction.
With so many options, how do you begin? First, look for ways to make the lesson plan visually appealing. Use picture books, drawings, colorful flash cards, etc. You can incorporate hands-on experiments and field trips that allow kids to 'see' what they're learning. For example, you can help your child to better understand the concept of first, middle, last or simple directions by teaching these concepts using a recipe for a favorite treat, and following the steps in the recipe.
You'll also want to implement auditory methods into the lesson so your child can 'hear' the steps while seeing them. Use a book on tape or a how-to video of the recipe. You can read aloud or even create a fun jingle so that your child can sing along with each step. See the following example, which uses repetition:
First, we gather up what we need, what we need.
Next we're gonna mix it up, mix it up.
Roll the balls of cookie dough, cookie dough.
Put them on a pan and bake 'em up, bake 'em up.
Clean up the dishes while they bake, while they bake.
When they're done, we can eat, eat, eat...eat, eat, eat."
Finally, add other sensory tools such as movement and touch. This can be done with dance, artwork, manipulatives, etc. Continuing with the recipe example: Have your child seek out the materials/ingredients with a fun scavenger hunt, while singing the jingle. Let him then mix the ingredients and feel the dough. Don't forget to have your child help with the cleanup process, as this will help reinforce social skills.
As the 'ending' nears, you can go over your child's knowledge of comprehension as the cookies bake. For instance, you can include memory games relating to the lesson using pictures and match them to words-a picture of a mixing bowl with the word mix, a picture of an oven with word bake, and so on. Have your child then put these in order from first to last. Then, give the reward of the finished product: a tasty treat.
Creating a lesson plan for children with learning disabilities need not be a challenge. By implementing a fun and engaging special needs homeschool curriculum methods, the lessons being taught become much more meaningful and will result in better memory retention.
Verticy is a joint learning initiative of Calvert School and Jemicy School. Rekindle your student's love of learning with Verticy. You can learn more about Verticy Learning at http://www.verticylearning.org/ or visit Calvert School at http://homeschool.calvertschool.org/
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Special-Needs-Homeschool-Curriculum:-Creating-a-Lesson-Plan-for-the-Learning-Disabled&id=6651404] Special Needs Homeschool Curriculum: Creating a Lesson Plan for the Learning Disabled
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Setting Up A Childcare Training School For Childcare Workers
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Glenn_Gozun]Glenn Gozun
While a lot of people would like to take childcare training programs for their careers. However, some individuals don't only want to take programs but set their own training schools for childcare experts. Setting up a training school may not be that simple but you can set proper expectations in doing these procedures.
What are the things needed when it comes to setting up your own training school? Here are some of the things you'll need when it comes to setting up your own training school.
Trainers
One of the essential requirements in setting up a training school is the trainers. Professionals who are also knowledgeable in the field must teach childcare training programs. They must be certified childcare experts and even have the ability to teach. Once you already have these instructors, you can apply for license or approval in setting up your training school.
Training facilities
Aside from finding a good instructor, you must also get the right facilities where your future students can study these programs. You must set up a good school or building together with the needed equipments. Although it's a childcare program, they also need different facilities that will help in conducting childcare training classes.
Budget
Setting up a training school will definitely make a person spend a great deal of money. They will not only spend money on setting training programs but also in setting up the overall facility. There are different items needed or training including the amount needed to pay for the instructors. There are also other facility needs that must be paid and money will definitely help in keeping the school in operation.
Training school licenses
Licenses are not only essential for people who will teach the courses but the whole school in general must have its license to provide these childcare training programs. Licenses will be given to schools once they met the standards set by the state. They need to check out each regulation to ensure they're met and start getting the necessary licenses needed by the school. Once licenses have been obtained, it's also essential to know their renewal requirements and periods.
Without a doubt, setting up a training school for training childcare experts can be a challenge but you can set your expectations. Some people may have problems in setting up a school but some have enough resources that will make school setup easier than the usual. [http://childcaretraininginfo.com/]Childcare Training Info Center has everything you need to make your life easier as you begin your career as a childcare professional. The site features state specific training requirements for early childhood education and a step-by-step overview of a typical hiring process, potential employers and interviews to help you get hired. And it also provide a complete range of accredited childcare courses and [http://childcaretraininginfo.com/information-about-becoming-a-child-care-worker]childcare workers.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Setting-Up-A-Childcare-Training-School-For-Childcare-Workers&id=6645567] Setting Up A Childcare Training School For Childcare Workers
While a lot of people would like to take childcare training programs for their careers. However, some individuals don't only want to take programs but set their own training schools for childcare experts. Setting up a training school may not be that simple but you can set proper expectations in doing these procedures.
What are the things needed when it comes to setting up your own training school? Here are some of the things you'll need when it comes to setting up your own training school.
Trainers
One of the essential requirements in setting up a training school is the trainers. Professionals who are also knowledgeable in the field must teach childcare training programs. They must be certified childcare experts and even have the ability to teach. Once you already have these instructors, you can apply for license or approval in setting up your training school.
Training facilities
Aside from finding a good instructor, you must also get the right facilities where your future students can study these programs. You must set up a good school or building together with the needed equipments. Although it's a childcare program, they also need different facilities that will help in conducting childcare training classes.
Budget
Setting up a training school will definitely make a person spend a great deal of money. They will not only spend money on setting training programs but also in setting up the overall facility. There are different items needed or training including the amount needed to pay for the instructors. There are also other facility needs that must be paid and money will definitely help in keeping the school in operation.
Training school licenses
Licenses are not only essential for people who will teach the courses but the whole school in general must have its license to provide these childcare training programs. Licenses will be given to schools once they met the standards set by the state. They need to check out each regulation to ensure they're met and start getting the necessary licenses needed by the school. Once licenses have been obtained, it's also essential to know their renewal requirements and periods.
Without a doubt, setting up a training school for training childcare experts can be a challenge but you can set your expectations. Some people may have problems in setting up a school but some have enough resources that will make school setup easier than the usual. [http://childcaretraininginfo.com/]Childcare Training Info Center has everything you need to make your life easier as you begin your career as a childcare professional. The site features state specific training requirements for early childhood education and a step-by-step overview of a typical hiring process, potential employers and interviews to help you get hired. And it also provide a complete range of accredited childcare courses and [http://childcaretraininginfo.com/information-about-becoming-a-child-care-worker]childcare workers.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Setting-Up-A-Childcare-Training-School-For-Childcare-Workers&id=6645567] Setting Up A Childcare Training School For Childcare Workers
Friday, November 18, 2011
Homeschooling - The First Steps
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Dave_Buckley]Dave Buckley
The decision to home school your children has been made. Where to begin? What to avoid? What to do? Here are some good starting points.
� Join homeschooling clubs, support groups or co-ops. These can be invaluable sources of information for you. There are many parents out there with the same ideas about education and values that you have. All of the groups may not be aligned with your values. Keep looking until you find some that you share something in common with.
� Attend a convention or curriculum fair in your state to learn about available resources. Most states have these yearly.
� Find out what is legally required in your state. It varies.
� Select the curriculum that best fits your teaching style and your child's learning style. Or, take what works for you from each one and become an eclectic educator!
� Read, read, read. There are many books and magazines dedicated to home schooling.
� Stay organized. Plan ahead how you are going to handle record keeping, how you are going to assess learning, how you are going to spend your days, and how you are going to teach certain concepts. Teachers in public and private schools spend a great deal of time planning. You need to plan as well. However, don't over plan. You don't want to simulate the school system by becoming inflexible due to plans that have been made.
� A fun tip is to give your home school a name, mascot, colors, and perhaps even a logo! Have the kids participate in this. It will give them ownership and allegiance to "their" school.
� Don't worry so much about socialization or the lack thereof. Kids don't necessarily need to be in a school setting in order to have their social needs and growth met. There are lots of home schooling co-ops and groups that hold organized activities. Church activities, the Boy and Girl Scouts, and other community clubs can provide a much healthier social activity schedule for your children. Many home schooling groups get together for field trips or lessons.
� Sports activities do not have to end if you are home schooling either. Look into your local recreational center, the YMCA, and local sports leagues. Many home schooling groups have organized sports leagues themselves. Also, check with the public school division in your town. Some of them are allowing home schooled children to participate in clubs, bands, and interscholastic sports. It varies from state to state and from division to division. It doesn't hurt to inquire.
Don't stress, you are getting ready to embark on a pretty exciting journey with your children. There are a plethora of people and groups willing to embrace your decision and support you in your endeavors.
If you are looking into more information on [http://www.greathomeschoolconventions.com/]homeschooling or you are a homeschooler and would like to visit some great homeschool conventions visit http://www.greathomeschoolconventions.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Homeschooling---The-First-Steps&id=6647491] Homeschooling - The First Steps
The decision to home school your children has been made. Where to begin? What to avoid? What to do? Here are some good starting points.
� Join homeschooling clubs, support groups or co-ops. These can be invaluable sources of information for you. There are many parents out there with the same ideas about education and values that you have. All of the groups may not be aligned with your values. Keep looking until you find some that you share something in common with.
� Attend a convention or curriculum fair in your state to learn about available resources. Most states have these yearly.
� Find out what is legally required in your state. It varies.
� Select the curriculum that best fits your teaching style and your child's learning style. Or, take what works for you from each one and become an eclectic educator!
� Read, read, read. There are many books and magazines dedicated to home schooling.
� Stay organized. Plan ahead how you are going to handle record keeping, how you are going to assess learning, how you are going to spend your days, and how you are going to teach certain concepts. Teachers in public and private schools spend a great deal of time planning. You need to plan as well. However, don't over plan. You don't want to simulate the school system by becoming inflexible due to plans that have been made.
� A fun tip is to give your home school a name, mascot, colors, and perhaps even a logo! Have the kids participate in this. It will give them ownership and allegiance to "their" school.
� Don't worry so much about socialization or the lack thereof. Kids don't necessarily need to be in a school setting in order to have their social needs and growth met. There are lots of home schooling co-ops and groups that hold organized activities. Church activities, the Boy and Girl Scouts, and other community clubs can provide a much healthier social activity schedule for your children. Many home schooling groups get together for field trips or lessons.
� Sports activities do not have to end if you are home schooling either. Look into your local recreational center, the YMCA, and local sports leagues. Many home schooling groups have organized sports leagues themselves. Also, check with the public school division in your town. Some of them are allowing home schooled children to participate in clubs, bands, and interscholastic sports. It varies from state to state and from division to division. It doesn't hurt to inquire.
Don't stress, you are getting ready to embark on a pretty exciting journey with your children. There are a plethora of people and groups willing to embrace your decision and support you in your endeavors.
If you are looking into more information on [http://www.greathomeschoolconventions.com/]homeschooling or you are a homeschooler and would like to visit some great homeschool conventions visit http://www.greathomeschoolconventions.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Homeschooling---The-First-Steps&id=6647491] Homeschooling - The First Steps
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Childcare Workers Training: Online Courses
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Glenn_Gozun]Glenn Gozun
As a student, you would like to know the childcare training programs properly before you could take them. This ensures that you will not waste your time taking the program and will help you have all your needed knowledge for doing the job.
With all the schools offering these programs, you may be confused right now about which program to choose. Checking out their sample programs will absolutely help you find the right courses for your career. Here are some of the things you'll know by checking their sample programs.
Program introduction
Since you'll be checking a sample program, it will immediately introduce the type of childcare training you will learn by studying with them. If you will take a course about bullying or behavioral management, they will be introducing the objectives of the program and what it can do to help you do your job in the future. Knowing this alone will give you an idea about these programs and how they can be useful for you in the future.
Techniques
Sample courses will also introduce the techniques you'll learn and use in the future. Using the same example above, you will learn the techniques that will help modify the behaviors of children. A childcare training program will introduce the right techniques of incorporating them either through personal conversation with kids or within the classroom setting. Just like in the course description, you will also gauge the competitiveness of their courses by knowing these details. You'll know what to expect on these techniques and how to combat possible problems in the process of providing childcare.
Activities
There are different activities needed in a childcare facility. Remember that kids would usually play inside the facility. You'll know how to incorporate learning and personality modification with playing by taking these childcare training programs. This will help you to not only focus on improving a certain kid's behavior but also on how you can incorporate a good learning environment for children at this age. These details will be listed on the sample courses online so you can also see if their techniques are more helpful than the rest.
There are now lots of schools that offer these training programs and many of them would provide sample courses for you. However, remember that they may require you to register on their site to view the sample programs which will help you choose the best programs. [http://childcaretraininginfo.com/]Childcare Training Info Center has everything you need to make your life easier as you begin your career as a childcare professional. The site features state specific training requirements for early childhood education and a step-by-step overview of a typical hiring process, potential employers and interviews to help you get hired. And it also provide a complete range of accredited childcare courses and [http://childcaretraininginfo.com/information-about-becoming-a-child-care-worker]childcare workers.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Childcare-Workers-Training:-Online-Courses&id=6652795] Childcare Workers Training: Online Courses
As a student, you would like to know the childcare training programs properly before you could take them. This ensures that you will not waste your time taking the program and will help you have all your needed knowledge for doing the job.
With all the schools offering these programs, you may be confused right now about which program to choose. Checking out their sample programs will absolutely help you find the right courses for your career. Here are some of the things you'll know by checking their sample programs.
Program introduction
Since you'll be checking a sample program, it will immediately introduce the type of childcare training you will learn by studying with them. If you will take a course about bullying or behavioral management, they will be introducing the objectives of the program and what it can do to help you do your job in the future. Knowing this alone will give you an idea about these programs and how they can be useful for you in the future.
Techniques
Sample courses will also introduce the techniques you'll learn and use in the future. Using the same example above, you will learn the techniques that will help modify the behaviors of children. A childcare training program will introduce the right techniques of incorporating them either through personal conversation with kids or within the classroom setting. Just like in the course description, you will also gauge the competitiveness of their courses by knowing these details. You'll know what to expect on these techniques and how to combat possible problems in the process of providing childcare.
Activities
There are different activities needed in a childcare facility. Remember that kids would usually play inside the facility. You'll know how to incorporate learning and personality modification with playing by taking these childcare training programs. This will help you to not only focus on improving a certain kid's behavior but also on how you can incorporate a good learning environment for children at this age. These details will be listed on the sample courses online so you can also see if their techniques are more helpful than the rest.
There are now lots of schools that offer these training programs and many of them would provide sample courses for you. However, remember that they may require you to register on their site to view the sample programs which will help you choose the best programs. [http://childcaretraininginfo.com/]Childcare Training Info Center has everything you need to make your life easier as you begin your career as a childcare professional. The site features state specific training requirements for early childhood education and a step-by-step overview of a typical hiring process, potential employers and interviews to help you get hired. And it also provide a complete range of accredited childcare courses and [http://childcaretraininginfo.com/information-about-becoming-a-child-care-worker]childcare workers.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Childcare-Workers-Training:-Online-Courses&id=6652795] Childcare Workers Training: Online Courses
Monday, November 14, 2011
Peer Groups and Slow Movers
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Curt_Bumcrot]Curt Bumcrot
Years ago I held the idea that children who were home schooled became immune to peer dependency. I believed that the very structure of home schooling was the secret to raising children with "godly" convictions who would naturally be able to stand on them in the midst of a culture that was collapsing from dry rot. I was wrong.
The problem with this view was my denial that the need for acceptance which leads to peer dependency was, and is, largely an inside issue. All of us are hard-wired to seek acceptance to one degree or another. What got me to thinking about this was observing some home schoolers who had been insulated from the typical cultural channels (TV, internet, DVDs, youth group, etc.) but who still found a way to tap in and discover what was "cool." This created two very different kinds of reactions: disappointment on the part of some adults, and a kind of admiration and envy on the part of many of their home school friends.
This need for acceptance is not going to go away. Yet, as a parent, you can use it to indirectly influence your child in a positive way. Peer groups can be very helpful in motivating a "slow mover." They can affect attitudes and goals. Take initiative to involve your child in a group that shares many of the following characteristics:
� Where effort and hard work is valued
� Where education is valued
� Where involvement in community service is common
� Where parental views, while not always agreed with, are nevertheless respected
Yet, having said that good peer groups will often exert a positive influence on children, there are situations where no matter how good the influence, the child still makes poor decisions. One high school student I knew had both family and professional support and was committed to completing a GED. Then, this goal gradually became unimportant and he began to balk at the preparation required to pass this test. At age seventeen having at least a GED would have put him ahead of the line of those without one when looking for a job. That didn't seem to make a difference.
Another family had a student who, upon entering the high school years, resisted doing their school work. Then, two years later, with little perceivable outside influence, education became important. This student's drive to compete, or in this case begin high school level study in earnest, was totally inside driven.
Again, the need for acceptance is an interior issue. All of us will choose a way to meet this need. Tapping this need for acceptance within peer groups with positive values may help. One thing seems certain, if we don't take the initiative in finding such a group, you can be sure most children will.
Thanks for reading!
Curt Bumcrot, MRE
Please feel free to forward this to home schoolers you think would benefit. Also, you have permission to copy this article to your blogs, forums, social network pages, or other websites. We only ask that you provide the live link at the bottom of the article that leads back to [http://www.basicskills.net]www.basicskills.net.
Curt Bumcrot is the founder and director of Basic Skills Assessment and Educational Services. He has earned degrees in Biblical Studies from Grace Institute in Long Beach, California, a B.A. in English from California State University at Dominguiz Hills, and a M.R.E. (Master in Religious Education) from Grand Rapids Baptist Seminary. He has been active both as a teacher and administrator in Christian Schools.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Peer-Groups-and-Slow-Movers&id=6651783] Peer Groups and Slow Movers
Years ago I held the idea that children who were home schooled became immune to peer dependency. I believed that the very structure of home schooling was the secret to raising children with "godly" convictions who would naturally be able to stand on them in the midst of a culture that was collapsing from dry rot. I was wrong.
The problem with this view was my denial that the need for acceptance which leads to peer dependency was, and is, largely an inside issue. All of us are hard-wired to seek acceptance to one degree or another. What got me to thinking about this was observing some home schoolers who had been insulated from the typical cultural channels (TV, internet, DVDs, youth group, etc.) but who still found a way to tap in and discover what was "cool." This created two very different kinds of reactions: disappointment on the part of some adults, and a kind of admiration and envy on the part of many of their home school friends.
This need for acceptance is not going to go away. Yet, as a parent, you can use it to indirectly influence your child in a positive way. Peer groups can be very helpful in motivating a "slow mover." They can affect attitudes and goals. Take initiative to involve your child in a group that shares many of the following characteristics:
� Where effort and hard work is valued
� Where education is valued
� Where involvement in community service is common
� Where parental views, while not always agreed with, are nevertheless respected
Yet, having said that good peer groups will often exert a positive influence on children, there are situations where no matter how good the influence, the child still makes poor decisions. One high school student I knew had both family and professional support and was committed to completing a GED. Then, this goal gradually became unimportant and he began to balk at the preparation required to pass this test. At age seventeen having at least a GED would have put him ahead of the line of those without one when looking for a job. That didn't seem to make a difference.
Another family had a student who, upon entering the high school years, resisted doing their school work. Then, two years later, with little perceivable outside influence, education became important. This student's drive to compete, or in this case begin high school level study in earnest, was totally inside driven.
Again, the need for acceptance is an interior issue. All of us will choose a way to meet this need. Tapping this need for acceptance within peer groups with positive values may help. One thing seems certain, if we don't take the initiative in finding such a group, you can be sure most children will.
Thanks for reading!
Curt Bumcrot, MRE
Please feel free to forward this to home schoolers you think would benefit. Also, you have permission to copy this article to your blogs, forums, social network pages, or other websites. We only ask that you provide the live link at the bottom of the article that leads back to [http://www.basicskills.net]www.basicskills.net.
Curt Bumcrot is the founder and director of Basic Skills Assessment and Educational Services. He has earned degrees in Biblical Studies from Grace Institute in Long Beach, California, a B.A. in English from California State University at Dominguiz Hills, and a M.R.E. (Master in Religious Education) from Grand Rapids Baptist Seminary. He has been active both as a teacher and administrator in Christian Schools.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Peer-Groups-and-Slow-Movers&id=6651783] Peer Groups and Slow Movers
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Testing for Reading Disabilities: Home-School Reading Assessment Tips
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Crystal_Pratt]Crystal Pratt
Do you think your child may be suffering from a learning disability in reading? Does he put up a fight when it's time to read? Does it seem to take an unusually long time to complete reading assignments? If you suspect that your child is struggling with reading, you may want to consider testing for a reading-related learning disability.
It's often overwhelming when facing the decision to pursue testing for your child, especially if you home school because you have to find testing yourself. The good news is that there are numerous reading assessments available to home-schoolers, and many of them can be taken for free or at a low cost.
Before testing for a reading disability, you should understand how these tests work and what they measure. Most reading assessments consist of three parts-decoding, fluency, and comprehension.
Decoding is the ability to make sense of written words to know how to correctly pronounce words on the page. Fluency is the ability to read a text correctly and quickly. And comprehension is the understanding and interpretation of what is read.
Scores on these skills are looked at both independently and comprehensively to determine where your child excels and where your child may struggle and need additional assistance. Being able to target the problem area allows you to provide the appropriate learning tools for your child's reading success.
Many assessment materials are available free to download for educators and homeschooling parents. Some can be taken directly online. But with so many of these reading tests out there, how do you choose the right one?
First, look for a test that has been recommended by reading experts or educators. Secondly, remember that free is good, but it's not necessarily always the best. Finally, you may want to use a testing method that monitors your child's progress by providing further assessments throughout the year.
There are many resources that provide testing for reading disabilities. The following sites, which provide free reading assessments, can be used as a self-starting point:
The National Right to Read Foundation: rel=nofollow http://www.nrrf.org/
DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills): rel=nofollow http://dibels.uoregon.edu/
Remember that you may not be able to tackle everything on your own. And that's okay. That's why there are organizations who have staff on hand to help you.
If you have a child who struggles with reading, you may want to look into Verticy Learning as a way to help your child learn. Verticy specializes in home-based curriculum for struggling readers and utilizes many multisensory techniques.
Verticy is a joint learning initiative of Calvert School and Jemicy School. Rekindle your student's love of learning with Verticy. You can learn more about Verticy Learning at http://www.verticylearning.org/ or visit Calvert School at http://homeschool.calvertschool.org/
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Testing-for-Reading-Disabilities:-Home-School-Reading-Assessment-Tips&id=6654245] Testing for Reading Disabilities: Home-School Reading Assessment Tips
Do you think your child may be suffering from a learning disability in reading? Does he put up a fight when it's time to read? Does it seem to take an unusually long time to complete reading assignments? If you suspect that your child is struggling with reading, you may want to consider testing for a reading-related learning disability.
It's often overwhelming when facing the decision to pursue testing for your child, especially if you home school because you have to find testing yourself. The good news is that there are numerous reading assessments available to home-schoolers, and many of them can be taken for free or at a low cost.
Before testing for a reading disability, you should understand how these tests work and what they measure. Most reading assessments consist of three parts-decoding, fluency, and comprehension.
Decoding is the ability to make sense of written words to know how to correctly pronounce words on the page. Fluency is the ability to read a text correctly and quickly. And comprehension is the understanding and interpretation of what is read.
Scores on these skills are looked at both independently and comprehensively to determine where your child excels and where your child may struggle and need additional assistance. Being able to target the problem area allows you to provide the appropriate learning tools for your child's reading success.
Many assessment materials are available free to download for educators and homeschooling parents. Some can be taken directly online. But with so many of these reading tests out there, how do you choose the right one?
First, look for a test that has been recommended by reading experts or educators. Secondly, remember that free is good, but it's not necessarily always the best. Finally, you may want to use a testing method that monitors your child's progress by providing further assessments throughout the year.
There are many resources that provide testing for reading disabilities. The following sites, which provide free reading assessments, can be used as a self-starting point:
The National Right to Read Foundation: rel=nofollow http://www.nrrf.org/
DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills): rel=nofollow http://dibels.uoregon.edu/
Remember that you may not be able to tackle everything on your own. And that's okay. That's why there are organizations who have staff on hand to help you.
If you have a child who struggles with reading, you may want to look into Verticy Learning as a way to help your child learn. Verticy specializes in home-based curriculum for struggling readers and utilizes many multisensory techniques.
Verticy is a joint learning initiative of Calvert School and Jemicy School. Rekindle your student's love of learning with Verticy. You can learn more about Verticy Learning at http://www.verticylearning.org/ or visit Calvert School at http://homeschool.calvertschool.org/
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Testing-for-Reading-Disabilities:-Home-School-Reading-Assessment-Tips&id=6654245] Testing for Reading Disabilities: Home-School Reading Assessment Tips
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Homeschooling High School - Teaching the Advanced Subjects
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Lee_Binz]Lee Binz
Many homeschool parents feel that to be able to homeschool high school you need to be able to teach the advanced subjects. When you find yourself unable to do it successfully you feel like it is impossible. You could teach the advanced subjects if you wanted to, but you don't necessarily have to. You can choose to work ahead, learn the subject, study it in advance, and have your children learn it, but you don't have to do that.
There's a huge difference between teaching and learning; what you are trying to do is to get your children to learn. Whether you are the one who teaches it or not is not nearly as significant as whether or not they might learn it.
If most parents don't know how to teach piano, they will hire somebody to do it. The child will go to piano lessons, take lessons from someone else, and practice on their own. Parents wouldn't know what they are supposed to do, but parents should oversee that they do what they are supposed to do.
My family did it the same way in our home, but for Calculus. I bought a self-teaching curriculum for physics which was from Apologia and a self-teaching curriculum for calculus which was from Saxon. The kids would get their instructions either from the book or the CDs, and learn it themselves that way.
My only job was to make sure that they did the work and oversee their daily work being done. With calculus, you can't just hear it and there's no piano recital at the end so I would only take away their answer keys to those subjects when giving a test.
Of course, it's hard to correct a test like physics and calculus because I didn't know what the words and symbols meant; I had to look at the answer key and at the answers that my children gave me to make sure that they were exactly alike. If there was a discrepancy and my children were absolutely certain that their answer was correct, that's when I was thankful that it was a homeschool curriculum because then they would call the 800 number.
We also learned Latin in our homeschool. My children and I did not know Latin before and we used the Latin Road to English Grammar. The first year we did Latin, I studied ahead, stayed two weeks ahead of them and actually did learn the language. The second year we did Latin, I wasn't as excited about it and learned along with my children. By the third year, I didn't want to do it at all. The children wanted to, so they continued with their Latin studies just like physics and calculus.
Even though I didn't know Latin, physics, and calculus, my boys still went to college well-prepared in all of those subjects. One of my sons is an engineer and took physics, calculus, and advanced math for fun in college and still got straight A's. My other son really likes the languages so he was well-prepared with our Latin studies.
Remember that self-teaching is the goal; not you teaching it to them, but your child teaching it to themselves.
While your high school student is self-teaching you will have some time to work on keeping your [http://www.comprehensiverecordsolution.com]homeschol records. The HomeScholar Comprehensive Record Solution will help you to create records that will win college admission and scholarships. Lee Binz, The HomeScholar, is an expert in how to [http://www.homeschoolthruhighschool.com]homeschool through high school. Both her two boys earned full-tuition scholarships at their first choice university.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Homeschooling-High-School---Teaching-the-Advanced-Subjects&id=6652253] Homeschooling High School - Teaching the Advanced Subjects
Many homeschool parents feel that to be able to homeschool high school you need to be able to teach the advanced subjects. When you find yourself unable to do it successfully you feel like it is impossible. You could teach the advanced subjects if you wanted to, but you don't necessarily have to. You can choose to work ahead, learn the subject, study it in advance, and have your children learn it, but you don't have to do that.
There's a huge difference between teaching and learning; what you are trying to do is to get your children to learn. Whether you are the one who teaches it or not is not nearly as significant as whether or not they might learn it.
If most parents don't know how to teach piano, they will hire somebody to do it. The child will go to piano lessons, take lessons from someone else, and practice on their own. Parents wouldn't know what they are supposed to do, but parents should oversee that they do what they are supposed to do.
My family did it the same way in our home, but for Calculus. I bought a self-teaching curriculum for physics which was from Apologia and a self-teaching curriculum for calculus which was from Saxon. The kids would get their instructions either from the book or the CDs, and learn it themselves that way.
My only job was to make sure that they did the work and oversee their daily work being done. With calculus, you can't just hear it and there's no piano recital at the end so I would only take away their answer keys to those subjects when giving a test.
Of course, it's hard to correct a test like physics and calculus because I didn't know what the words and symbols meant; I had to look at the answer key and at the answers that my children gave me to make sure that they were exactly alike. If there was a discrepancy and my children were absolutely certain that their answer was correct, that's when I was thankful that it was a homeschool curriculum because then they would call the 800 number.
We also learned Latin in our homeschool. My children and I did not know Latin before and we used the Latin Road to English Grammar. The first year we did Latin, I studied ahead, stayed two weeks ahead of them and actually did learn the language. The second year we did Latin, I wasn't as excited about it and learned along with my children. By the third year, I didn't want to do it at all. The children wanted to, so they continued with their Latin studies just like physics and calculus.
Even though I didn't know Latin, physics, and calculus, my boys still went to college well-prepared in all of those subjects. One of my sons is an engineer and took physics, calculus, and advanced math for fun in college and still got straight A's. My other son really likes the languages so he was well-prepared with our Latin studies.
Remember that self-teaching is the goal; not you teaching it to them, but your child teaching it to themselves.
While your high school student is self-teaching you will have some time to work on keeping your [http://www.comprehensiverecordsolution.com]homeschol records. The HomeScholar Comprehensive Record Solution will help you to create records that will win college admission and scholarships. Lee Binz, The HomeScholar, is an expert in how to [http://www.homeschoolthruhighschool.com]homeschool through high school. Both her two boys earned full-tuition scholarships at their first choice university.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Homeschooling-High-School---Teaching-the-Advanced-Subjects&id=6652253] Homeschooling High School - Teaching the Advanced Subjects
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Homeschooling High School - How Do You Know You Are Capable?
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Lee_Binz]Lee Binz
Do you feel overwhelmed in your job as a homeschool parents. Many parents do. I have heard from so many people asking how they can know that they are capable of homeschooling their high school student. There are a few encouraging verses from the Bible that can help relieve some of those concerns.
Psalm 1:39 13-16 "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful..."
Your child was given to you. You are the perfect parents for your child and your child is the perfect child for your family. Together, the two of you were meant to do this and that's how you'll know you'll be successful.
Think about Philippians 4:13 where it says "I can do all this through Him who strengthens me." That will include homeschooling high school. Also, 1 Peter 4:8 says "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." When something goes wrong, you can know that you can still homeschool high school because the love that you have for your child is going to cover everything.
This child has been given to you; you have been given to your child. You are the perfect partnership for homeschooling high school. You know that you are capable because God will provide what you need to do the job that you have been called to do. And you know that when these steps occur, it's going to be okay because the love for your child is going to cover all of it.
The scriptures say a lot about raising a child, but it does not say anything about forking your child over to the government for their education. It's all about the parent and the child. Even when it talks about rendering unto Caesar, it is not talking about your children. Your children have been given to you.
Also in scripture, God often provides step by step answers to problems that are faced. When Jesus changed the water to wine at the wedding at Cana, He did not tell His servants to change the water into wine; that would have been slightly overwhelming.
Instead, he gave them three steps:
Fill jars with water.
Draw water out of jars.
Take a drink to the master.
At no point does Jesus say to graduate your child today and get them into this college. He's telling us to take one step at a time. So when you learn from me about college preparation, think about all the things that I talk about but realize that you do not have to do them all today.
Think about the options; think about what step to take today and what step to take in the days to come. You are not in charge of changing water into wine; you are in charge of doing that one thing for today that has required for you to do.
Let me help you in applying each of those steps to homeschooling. My [http://homeschoolthruhighschool.com]homeschool training courses cover a wide range of homeschooling topics. When it comes time for your child to move on to college I can help with creating [http://www.comprehensiverecordsolution.com/]homeschool records that will impress colleges. Lee Binz, The HomeScholar, is a homeschool high school expert. Both her two boys earned full-tuition scholarships at their first choice university.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Homeschooling-High-School---How-Do-You-Know-You-Are-Capable?&id=6656834] Homeschooling High School - How Do You Know You Are Capable?
Do you feel overwhelmed in your job as a homeschool parents. Many parents do. I have heard from so many people asking how they can know that they are capable of homeschooling their high school student. There are a few encouraging verses from the Bible that can help relieve some of those concerns.
Psalm 1:39 13-16 "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful..."
Your child was given to you. You are the perfect parents for your child and your child is the perfect child for your family. Together, the two of you were meant to do this and that's how you'll know you'll be successful.
Think about Philippians 4:13 where it says "I can do all this through Him who strengthens me." That will include homeschooling high school. Also, 1 Peter 4:8 says "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." When something goes wrong, you can know that you can still homeschool high school because the love that you have for your child is going to cover everything.
This child has been given to you; you have been given to your child. You are the perfect partnership for homeschooling high school. You know that you are capable because God will provide what you need to do the job that you have been called to do. And you know that when these steps occur, it's going to be okay because the love for your child is going to cover all of it.
The scriptures say a lot about raising a child, but it does not say anything about forking your child over to the government for their education. It's all about the parent and the child. Even when it talks about rendering unto Caesar, it is not talking about your children. Your children have been given to you.
Also in scripture, God often provides step by step answers to problems that are faced. When Jesus changed the water to wine at the wedding at Cana, He did not tell His servants to change the water into wine; that would have been slightly overwhelming.
Instead, he gave them three steps:
Fill jars with water.
Draw water out of jars.
Take a drink to the master.
At no point does Jesus say to graduate your child today and get them into this college. He's telling us to take one step at a time. So when you learn from me about college preparation, think about all the things that I talk about but realize that you do not have to do them all today.
Think about the options; think about what step to take today and what step to take in the days to come. You are not in charge of changing water into wine; you are in charge of doing that one thing for today that has required for you to do.
Let me help you in applying each of those steps to homeschooling. My [http://homeschoolthruhighschool.com]homeschool training courses cover a wide range of homeschooling topics. When it comes time for your child to move on to college I can help with creating [http://www.comprehensiverecordsolution.com/]homeschool records that will impress colleges. Lee Binz, The HomeScholar, is a homeschool high school expert. Both her two boys earned full-tuition scholarships at their first choice university.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Homeschooling-High-School---How-Do-You-Know-You-Are-Capable?&id=6656834] Homeschooling High School - How Do You Know You Are Capable?
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Textbook Done Already? What to Do Next
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Curt_Bumcrot]Curt Bumcrot
The typical textbook is designed to be completed in nine months. Even if you follow the traditional school calendar, schooling from September through May, what do you do if your student finishes a text book early? Consider the following question that was asked recently:
"My son just finished his 6th grade speller. I'm wondering if I should move him into the next book or just end spelling now for the year, which for us ends in May."
--J.M.
My answer: I have a few thoughts as I respond to this question. First, it's unusual to complete a book after just two months of school. Are you sure your student is in the correct grade placement? It may have been too easy in the first place which is why your student flew through it, assuming he pre-tested and knew most of the words without studying. Secondly, and this information wasn't supplied in the question, I'm wondering if this book was used last year but, not completed. The mother was simply finishing up the last few lessons in the book.
If you were asking me this question in April, I would be inclined to say sure, take a break from spelling. But at this time of year, I'd say begin the next book in the series. In other words, keep in mind that your goal is to build a strong set of memorized spelling words your son can draw from, not just complete a textbook.
Let me change the question slightly and apply it to a different subject, asked at a different time of year. Let's say it is March and your student has just completed his math book. In this case he finished pre-algebra. While there is always some review built into all math series (publishers assume students are coming back from a three-month summer break from school and need to review), the higher the level of math, the less of the beginning of the book is dedicated to this. If your son has completed a quarter of the next book in the series, algebra 1 in this case, when you quit in May, you can be sure he'll need to back track in September, maybe even to the beginning of the book to review what he "learned" but was forgotten.
So in this situation, I would say don't start the next book in the series. Instead, pick up an enrichment text (story problems, math brain teasers, etc.) at a local teacher or home school supply store. Do math two or three times a week. Another option would be to start the next book in the series, but plan to work through it most of the summer so the time spent in the spring isn't seen as a waste. Most students won't like this idea, but others will embrace it and see it as a chance to get ahead.
Thanks for reading!
Curt Bumcrot, MRE
Please feel free to forward this to home schoolers you think would benefit. Also, you have permission to copy this article to your blogs, forums, social network pages, or other websites. We only ask that you provide the live link at the bottom of the article that leads back to rel=nofollow [http://www.basicskills.net]www.basicskills.net.
Curt Bumcrot is founder and director of Basic Skills Assessment and Educational Services. He has earned degrees in Biblical Studies from Grace Institute in Long Beach, California, a B.A. in English from California State University at Dominguiz Hills, and a M.R.E. (Master in Religious Education) from Grand Rapids Baptist Seminary. He has been active both as a teacher and administrator in Christian Schools. He and his wife, Jenny, homeschooled their children, and currently reside in Oregon City.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Textbook-Done-Already?-What-to-Do-Next&id=6661478] Textbook Done Already? What to Do Next
The typical textbook is designed to be completed in nine months. Even if you follow the traditional school calendar, schooling from September through May, what do you do if your student finishes a text book early? Consider the following question that was asked recently:
"My son just finished his 6th grade speller. I'm wondering if I should move him into the next book or just end spelling now for the year, which for us ends in May."
--J.M.
My answer: I have a few thoughts as I respond to this question. First, it's unusual to complete a book after just two months of school. Are you sure your student is in the correct grade placement? It may have been too easy in the first place which is why your student flew through it, assuming he pre-tested and knew most of the words without studying. Secondly, and this information wasn't supplied in the question, I'm wondering if this book was used last year but, not completed. The mother was simply finishing up the last few lessons in the book.
If you were asking me this question in April, I would be inclined to say sure, take a break from spelling. But at this time of year, I'd say begin the next book in the series. In other words, keep in mind that your goal is to build a strong set of memorized spelling words your son can draw from, not just complete a textbook.
Let me change the question slightly and apply it to a different subject, asked at a different time of year. Let's say it is March and your student has just completed his math book. In this case he finished pre-algebra. While there is always some review built into all math series (publishers assume students are coming back from a three-month summer break from school and need to review), the higher the level of math, the less of the beginning of the book is dedicated to this. If your son has completed a quarter of the next book in the series, algebra 1 in this case, when you quit in May, you can be sure he'll need to back track in September, maybe even to the beginning of the book to review what he "learned" but was forgotten.
So in this situation, I would say don't start the next book in the series. Instead, pick up an enrichment text (story problems, math brain teasers, etc.) at a local teacher or home school supply store. Do math two or three times a week. Another option would be to start the next book in the series, but plan to work through it most of the summer so the time spent in the spring isn't seen as a waste. Most students won't like this idea, but others will embrace it and see it as a chance to get ahead.
Thanks for reading!
Curt Bumcrot, MRE
Please feel free to forward this to home schoolers you think would benefit. Also, you have permission to copy this article to your blogs, forums, social network pages, or other websites. We only ask that you provide the live link at the bottom of the article that leads back to rel=nofollow [http://www.basicskills.net]www.basicskills.net.
Curt Bumcrot is founder and director of Basic Skills Assessment and Educational Services. He has earned degrees in Biblical Studies from Grace Institute in Long Beach, California, a B.A. in English from California State University at Dominguiz Hills, and a M.R.E. (Master in Religious Education) from Grand Rapids Baptist Seminary. He has been active both as a teacher and administrator in Christian Schools. He and his wife, Jenny, homeschooled their children, and currently reside in Oregon City.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Textbook-Done-Already?-What-to-Do-Next&id=6661478] Textbook Done Already? What to Do Next
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