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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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

Friday, November 4, 2011

Childcare Workers Training Programs For Specific Individuals

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Glenn_Gozun]Glenn Gozun
Many childcare training programs are now offered by schools and training facilities. With all these options, you'll have an idea about the best programs for your needs. This is most specifically if you want to be a competitive instructor or a childcare provider in the field.
By looking at different training programs online, you'll find out that there are a lot of different programs that will suit different people who need them. The following are some of the courses specific people can take.
Instructor programs
Early childhood education is now promoted by many facilities in the country and specific childcare training programs can be taken for this expertise. These programs will be useful for people who would like to be teachers for children. Techniques will be discussed about how it can be incorporate through learning specifically since children at this age are just focused on playing. It is essential to make information more understandable for their age while keeping their attention for a long time to learn.
Childcare programs
Some people are into childcare but are not focused on educating them. On these programs, people will be provided with knowledge that will teach on how to care for kids. Childcare training programs will help people learn about how to handle kids and know what their needs inside the facility. This will discuss about a child's body and its development so care experts will know the right way of taking care of them. Some of these care experts may also be required to take CPR programs and first aid so kids will be safe from probable serious problems caused by accidents and other emergencies.
Administrative program
People who will work as directors of a childcare facility also need to take various programs that will help manage their facilities properly. Among the common childcare training programs are really concentrating on nutrition as well as other administrative tasks. In terms of nutrition, directors must ensure that they only serve correct and nutritious food and snacks to kids who will stay in their facilities. Aside from this detail, they'll also discuss the right way to budget these needs while not sacrificing the quality of providing childcare.
In conclusion, there are different programs available for specific individuals. If you're among these people who want to venture on childcare, you can check these programs and find the most appropriate one for you to start your career in the field. [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-Programs-For-Specific-Individuals&id=6659801] Childcare Workers Training Programs For Specific Individuals