I was looking for a handwriting worksheet to help my kindergartener practice writing his first and last names independently. This morning I found just what I was looking for at http://www.handwritingworksheets.com
You can create a worksheet with one line of your own text (up to about 20 characters). There are options to create handwriting worksheets in 5 different styles.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
All About Spelling
This year we are using the All About Spelling program. J., my 5th grader, has struggled with reading and writing for years. I've tried lots of different approaches to spelling, and none of them seem to work particularly well and the traditional approach, which I prefer, seemed painful to J. I came across the All About Spelling program last year and decided we would give it a try.
So far it has been terrific. Because J. needed remediation, we started with the very first level. It is very systematic and tactile. Each lesson is easy to follow and implement. It makes use of spelling with letter tiles and pencil/paper. It includes dictation--phrases and sentences that incorporate words from the current lesson and review words. Many lessons we were able to introduce and complete in 1-2 days, if J. already knew or quickly grasped the concept. But, it is easy to extend a lesson to a week, when he has needed further instruction and review. He completed Level 1 in about 6 weeks. He is now working on Level 2, and doing very well. He actually likes doing spelling. He says it is his new favorite subject.
I plan to begin using Level 1 with E. (kindergarten) after the holiday break. Then I will be able to share how well it works with an emergent speller.
So far it has been terrific. Because J. needed remediation, we started with the very first level. It is very systematic and tactile. Each lesson is easy to follow and implement. It makes use of spelling with letter tiles and pencil/paper. It includes dictation--phrases and sentences that incorporate words from the current lesson and review words. Many lessons we were able to introduce and complete in 1-2 days, if J. already knew or quickly grasped the concept. But, it is easy to extend a lesson to a week, when he has needed further instruction and review. He completed Level 1 in about 6 weeks. He is now working on Level 2, and doing very well. He actually likes doing spelling. He says it is his new favorite subject.
I plan to begin using Level 1 with E. (kindergarten) after the holiday break. Then I will be able to share how well it works with an emergent speller.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Reflecting on Our First Week
Lessons began on August 30th in our household. We started a week earlier than originally planned because we'll be taking a week off this fall for vacation. It's great that homeschooling provides this wonderful flexibility.
Overall it was a good first week. The boys had good attitudes. They completed the work that was assigned to them (with minimal groans).
The schedule might need to be fine tuned. Because of my oldest son's problems with reading, he needs a significant amount of one-on-one time, and of course my youngest son is just getting started with this school thing and needs quite a bit of help and direct instruction. I found that some of the time I'd allotted to work with E. during the language arts block was taken up with providing additional reading instruction to J. I'm not ready to ditch this schedule, though. We'll work through September with it, then evaluate and tweak it.
This week I was struck by how important it is for me to model the behaviors I want to see in the boys. If I want them to be able to plan, schedule, and complete tasks, then I need to show them in my daily life and my own approach to projects how to do these things. If I want them to approach their work with a positive attitude. I need to do the same.
Overall it was a good first week. The boys had good attitudes. They completed the work that was assigned to them (with minimal groans).
The schedule might need to be fine tuned. Because of my oldest son's problems with reading, he needs a significant amount of one-on-one time, and of course my youngest son is just getting started with this school thing and needs quite a bit of help and direct instruction. I found that some of the time I'd allotted to work with E. during the language arts block was taken up with providing additional reading instruction to J. I'm not ready to ditch this schedule, though. We'll work through September with it, then evaluate and tweak it.
This week I was struck by how important it is for me to model the behaviors I want to see in the boys. If I want them to be able to plan, schedule, and complete tasks, then I need to show them in my daily life and my own approach to projects how to do these things. If I want them to approach their work with a positive attitude. I need to do the same.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Easing In
The first day of August seems to begin a count down to the first day of "School." For me it means I have "x" days to make sure I have all the materials we need and get plans ready for those first few weeks. For the boys it means "x" days of freedom to jump on the trampoline, play on Webkinz, build forts, etc. without the constraints of a schedule. When the first day of school comes around it is a struggle to get into a workable routine. And this year could prove to be even more difficult since it is the first year I have two doing formal lessons.
So, this year I've decided we are going to ease in to school. Instead of waking up on September 7 and starting a brand new routine, I've purchased a couple of lap book project kits from In the Hands of a Child and a few days each week we are going to work on our lap books, review math facts and letters with flash cards, and other activities that will help the boys review the stuff they already know and ease that transition between the summer vaction season and the school season.
I hope this will make September 7 less painful and more of the joyful experience that it should be!
So, this year I've decided we are going to ease in to school. Instead of waking up on September 7 and starting a brand new routine, I've purchased a couple of lap book project kits from In the Hands of a Child and a few days each week we are going to work on our lap books, review math facts and letters with flash cards, and other activities that will help the boys review the stuff they already know and ease that transition between the summer vaction season and the school season.
I hope this will make September 7 less painful and more of the joyful experience that it should be!
Monday, August 2, 2010
Freely Educate's Giveaways
Freely Educate was holding their First Annual Giveaway Days last week. You can actually enter until August 6 at noon. I've already purchased all of the boys' curriculum and supplies for the upcoming school year, but I still thought I'd share. There are give-aways for Latin, Chemistry, Art, and Spelling. If you want to check out the giveaways, visit http://www.freelyeducate.com.
I recently purchased the Latin for Children curriculum for my 10 year old. We haven't started it, but it seems really easy to follow and includes a CD for chants. (That was pretty important because I've never had any Latin instruction.)
We also are starting the All About Spelling program this year. I've already purchased Levels 1 & 2. My oldest son has struggled with reading and spelling, and could use some remedial instruction. We're starting at the beginning to reinforce those concepts he already knows and make sure we fill in any gaps that might be contributing to his difficulties. And I hope to begin Level 1 with my 5 year old after the winter holiday.
I recently purchased the Latin for Children curriculum for my 10 year old. We haven't started it, but it seems really easy to follow and includes a CD for chants. (That was pretty important because I've never had any Latin instruction.)
We also are starting the All About Spelling program this year. I've already purchased Levels 1 & 2. My oldest son has struggled with reading and spelling, and could use some remedial instruction. We're starting at the beginning to reinforce those concepts he already knows and make sure we fill in any gaps that might be contributing to his difficulties. And I hope to begin Level 1 with my 5 year old after the winter holiday.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Conference Tips
I went to the Northern Virginia Home Educators Conference last Saturday, and really enjoyed it. They have some great speakers and you can find great products and resources in the exhibit hall. Next year I want to try to go on Friday and Saturday.
This is the second year I've attended, and I thought I might share some things I did that made it more productive, at least for me. There is a lot of stuff going on at the conference, and it can get overwhelming. (This is a regional conference, so I can only imagine how overwhelming the state conference could be.)
Research curriculum choices before you go to the conference. If you're looking for specific materials check on-line and note the price and all the books, workbooks, readers, etc. included in the program. This is especially helpful if you will be buying anything at the used book sale or one of the used book vendors. Last year I purchased a reading curriculum from the used book sale and didn't realize that I was missing one of the student workbooks until we'd actually started lessons in September. This year I had my list handy, so when I found the math curriculum I'd planned to use at a used book vendor, I knew that the teacher's manuals were a good price, but the student text and workbooks (which were written in, make sure you check for this when buying used) were being sold for the same price as a new book. (If it costs the same amount, I'd much rather have a new copy.) I was able to pick-up the Latin curriculum we are going to use at the vendor's booth, and save on the shipping costs of ordering online.
Make a list of what your children will be studying. There are vendors selling books, manipulatives, coloring books, science experiment kits, unit studies, lap book kits, games, and many other supplementary materials.
Don't buy anything your first time around. I mean walk around the exhibit hall one time before you purchase anything. You might see books, games, and science kits about plants--you probably don't want to spend a hundred dollars on materials for one science unit. By delaying your purchase you can decide which resource(s) would be the best choice. Also this gives you a chance to compare prices. For instance, I wanted to pick-up a handwriting curriculum for my youngest son. If I would have purchased at the first or the second booths I visited that had the curriculum I would have paid too much. There was a third booth that had the curriculum for almost $2 less a book!
Decide before you go whether you will listen to the speakers or just want to visit the exhibit hall. There is usually a discounted entrance fee for just visiting the exhibit hall, where the curriculum vendors are set up, but I enjoy listening to the speakers. I have gotten some great ideas about time management, teaching strategies, curriculum development and choices. It is also nice to know there are other people with the same concerns and challenges you are having. Whether it be a curriculum that doesn't fit your child's needs, an experiment or project gone awry, or a feeling of burn-out or being overwhelmed. It is at the smaller speaker sessions where you have the opportunity to hear the speaker and other audience members share their experiences.
If you are interested in more information about the Northern Virginia Home Educators Conference, visit their website at http://www.novaconference.net.
This is the second year I've attended, and I thought I might share some things I did that made it more productive, at least for me. There is a lot of stuff going on at the conference, and it can get overwhelming. (This is a regional conference, so I can only imagine how overwhelming the state conference could be.)
Research curriculum choices before you go to the conference. If you're looking for specific materials check on-line and note the price and all the books, workbooks, readers, etc. included in the program. This is especially helpful if you will be buying anything at the used book sale or one of the used book vendors. Last year I purchased a reading curriculum from the used book sale and didn't realize that I was missing one of the student workbooks until we'd actually started lessons in September. This year I had my list handy, so when I found the math curriculum I'd planned to use at a used book vendor, I knew that the teacher's manuals were a good price, but the student text and workbooks (which were written in, make sure you check for this when buying used) were being sold for the same price as a new book. (If it costs the same amount, I'd much rather have a new copy.) I was able to pick-up the Latin curriculum we are going to use at the vendor's booth, and save on the shipping costs of ordering online.
Make a list of what your children will be studying. There are vendors selling books, manipulatives, coloring books, science experiment kits, unit studies, lap book kits, games, and many other supplementary materials.
Don't buy anything your first time around. I mean walk around the exhibit hall one time before you purchase anything. You might see books, games, and science kits about plants--you probably don't want to spend a hundred dollars on materials for one science unit. By delaying your purchase you can decide which resource(s) would be the best choice. Also this gives you a chance to compare prices. For instance, I wanted to pick-up a handwriting curriculum for my youngest son. If I would have purchased at the first or the second booths I visited that had the curriculum I would have paid too much. There was a third booth that had the curriculum for almost $2 less a book!
Decide before you go whether you will listen to the speakers or just want to visit the exhibit hall. There is usually a discounted entrance fee for just visiting the exhibit hall, where the curriculum vendors are set up, but I enjoy listening to the speakers. I have gotten some great ideas about time management, teaching strategies, curriculum development and choices. It is also nice to know there are other people with the same concerns and challenges you are having. Whether it be a curriculum that doesn't fit your child's needs, an experiment or project gone awry, or a feeling of burn-out or being overwhelmed. It is at the smaller speaker sessions where you have the opportunity to hear the speaker and other audience members share their experiences.
If you are interested in more information about the Northern Virginia Home Educators Conference, visit their website at http://www.novaconference.net.
National Air and Space, Udvar-Hazy Center
This week the boys and I went to the National Air and Space Museum, Udvar-Hazy center in Dulles, Virginia. (The Udvar-Hazy center is a satellite of the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC.) It is essentially a huge hangar with lots of airplanes hanging from the ceiling or sitting on the ground. There is a room on space exploration, where a space shuttle is on display. There is also an observation tower where you can watch planes taking off from and landing at Dulles Airport. They have an IMAX theatre, a gift shop, and a McDonalds. Free guided tours are offered regulary.
This is a great field trip for older students. My 5 year old got bored fairly quickly. His favorite part of the museum was "walking on the cat walks"--the raised walk ways where you can see the planes that are suspended from the ceiling. When someone asks him about his trip to the museum he doesn't even mention the planes. I liked the pre-1920's flight displays. This collection featured the old planes, but also china and collectibles with images of hot air balloons, famous aviators, and planes. My ten year old liked the supersonic jets--the Concorde and the Black Hawk. He was interested in how the planes could go that fast and how much it costs to develop, build, and buy fuel for the planes.
At home we've been discussing the science of flight. At the NoVA Homeschool Conference last weekend I was able to pick-up some free literature from the NASA booth. I also purchased a lap book kit on flight, it includes information on the history and science of flight.
The National Air and Space Museum's website features a lot of great resources for teaching about the history and science of flight. In the Teaching Resources section there are lessons entitled Milestones of Flight, How Things Fly, Embracing the Impossible (using primary resources to understand the way attitudes changed about flight in the early 1900's), and From Airmail to Airlines (exploring different careers in commercial aviation). There were more lessons, many of which were related to space exploration. The great thing is most of the lessons reference displays at the museums in the introduction for teachers, but can be used without going to the museum. There is an Online Activities section with games and videos. There are also two Electronic Field Trip options.
If you are interested in planning a trip to either the museum in DC or the Udvar-Hazy center or want to learn more about their teaching resources, visit their website at http://www.nasm.si.edu.
This is a great field trip for older students. My 5 year old got bored fairly quickly. His favorite part of the museum was "walking on the cat walks"--the raised walk ways where you can see the planes that are suspended from the ceiling. When someone asks him about his trip to the museum he doesn't even mention the planes. I liked the pre-1920's flight displays. This collection featured the old planes, but also china and collectibles with images of hot air balloons, famous aviators, and planes. My ten year old liked the supersonic jets--the Concorde and the Black Hawk. He was interested in how the planes could go that fast and how much it costs to develop, build, and buy fuel for the planes.
At home we've been discussing the science of flight. At the NoVA Homeschool Conference last weekend I was able to pick-up some free literature from the NASA booth. I also purchased a lap book kit on flight, it includes information on the history and science of flight.
The National Air and Space Museum's website features a lot of great resources for teaching about the history and science of flight. In the Teaching Resources section there are lessons entitled Milestones of Flight, How Things Fly, Embracing the Impossible (using primary resources to understand the way attitudes changed about flight in the early 1900's), and From Airmail to Airlines (exploring different careers in commercial aviation). There were more lessons, many of which were related to space exploration. The great thing is most of the lessons reference displays at the museums in the introduction for teachers, but can be used without going to the museum. There is an Online Activities section with games and videos. There are also two Electronic Field Trip options.
If you are interested in planning a trip to either the museum in DC or the Udvar-Hazy center or want to learn more about their teaching resources, visit their website at http://www.nasm.si.edu.
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