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.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Virginia State Parks Trail Quest
My boys and I enjoy going on day hikes. (The boys enjoy camping too, but Mommy likes running water and electricity when she's getting ready for bed.) We are lucky to live in a state with a wonderful state park system and to live fairly close to several state parks.
My oldest son and I just signed up for the Virginia State Parks Trail Quest program. This program is to encourage people to get outside and enjoy what Virginia State Parks have to offer. When you sign-up you are encouraged to print a list of parks. Then when you visit a park you collect that park's secret code and submit it online to earn pins. My oldest son loves collecting patches and pins.
This program in and of itself is not educational, but many of the state parks offer great educational programs and getting outside to observe nature is a wonderful learning experience.
If you're interested in learning more, visit www.virginiaoutdoors.com/getoutside/trailquest.
My oldest son and I just signed up for the Virginia State Parks Trail Quest program. This program is to encourage people to get outside and enjoy what Virginia State Parks have to offer. When you sign-up you are encouraged to print a list of parks. Then when you visit a park you collect that park's secret code and submit it online to earn pins. My oldest son loves collecting patches and pins.
This program in and of itself is not educational, but many of the state parks offer great educational programs and getting outside to observe nature is a wonderful learning experience.
If you're interested in learning more, visit www.virginiaoutdoors.com/getoutside/trailquest.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Northern Virginia Home Education Conference
The Northern Virginia Home Education Conference takes place in about two weeks, on July 9 & 10, at the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly, VA. They have tons of exhibitors, many interesting workshops and demonstrations, and a used book sale. I went last year, and I must admit that it was a little overwhelming. I definitely suggest that you take along a list of topics your child will be studying, so you can weed through all of the information that is available at the conference. I left the conference with so many pamphlets, papers, and books; all interesting and excellent materials, but not all of it useful to me and my sons.
I'm looking forward to going again this year; and sharing my impressions and any really useful information I learn here.
For more information about this year's conference, you can visit their website-- www.novaconference.net.
I'm looking forward to going again this year; and sharing my impressions and any really useful information I learn here.
For more information about this year's conference, you can visit their website-- www.novaconference.net.
Out with the old, in with the new
I'm recommitting myself to this blog--I've gone at least 6 months without posting. But, my new goal is one posting a week. We've finally wrapped up 4th grade for my oldest son. Just last week he completed his CAT test. We are still awaiting the results to be submitted to the school board to show he is achieving at a satisfactory level.
Each year as we wrap up one school year and I prepare to begin the next, I am thankful for the fresh start. It's an opportunity to evaluate what worked and what didn't from the previous grade. My son thinks of summer as a respite from structure and work. I think of it as a time to explore new curriculum and materials, a chance to plan our schedule and activities, and an opportunity to dream of the perfect homeschool year to begin in September.
Each year as we wrap up one school year and I prepare to begin the next, I am thankful for the fresh start. It's an opportunity to evaluate what worked and what didn't from the previous grade. My son thinks of summer as a respite from structure and work. I think of it as a time to explore new curriculum and materials, a chance to plan our schedule and activities, and an opportunity to dream of the perfect homeschool year to begin in September.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
So Its Been A Month
Actually it has been nearly 2 months since we started lessons. The time has flown by and it is already time to start compiling my first quarter observations.
Last year I typed a progress report each quarter (after about 9 weeks of lessons), and I think I will do that again. I included the topics we'd covered, a critique of our progress, books we'd read, field trips we'd taken, and any other information I'd felt was pertinent to the learning process. I didn't give my son grades, but for each subject area I assigned him a progress label, such as Excellent, Very Good, Good, Progressing. It actually helped me a lot to look back over the work my son had completed, reflect on what we'd done, and decide whether we'd met our educational goals in each subject. I then could use this information to make any necessary changes to our curriculum map.
Last year I typed a progress report each quarter (after about 9 weeks of lessons), and I think I will do that again. I included the topics we'd covered, a critique of our progress, books we'd read, field trips we'd taken, and any other information I'd felt was pertinent to the learning process. I didn't give my son grades, but for each subject area I assigned him a progress label, such as Excellent, Very Good, Good, Progressing. It actually helped me a lot to look back over the work my son had completed, reflect on what we'd done, and decide whether we'd met our educational goals in each subject. I then could use this information to make any necessary changes to our curriculum map.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Last week we went on a field trip to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington, D.C. This was a really interesting trip. You get to tour the facilities where they are actually making paper money. We saw them printing $50 and $100 bills. We saw workers loading "paper" into the machines to be printed and the printed sheets into the machines that inspect the money. We saw other workers repairing one of the machines that prints final details onto the bills. We also saw them inspecting the money under special lamps with magnifying glasses.
The tour begins with a video on the entire process of making money, from printing the background color to the money being monetized by the Federal Reserve. You are then joined by your tour guide who takes you along a special corridor that has been constructed for you to walk through and be able to view a portion of the printing and inspection process. Your tour guide explains the process to you and tells you lots of interesting facts, like that they print over $900,000,000 a day at the facility and that most of that money goes toward replacing old, worn money. The tour takes only about 45 minutes. The tour ends at the gift shop. After our tour, we ate lunch at the Department of Agriculture's cafeteria, about two blocks from the BEP tour entrance.
This was an informative and fun field trip. Even the younger children, who might not really understand the concept of money, were interested in watching the machines and the BEP employees. The older children (and adults) learned that making money is a very complicated process. They also learned about the security features that are designed to discourage counterfeiting. (Actually my kids didn't know what counterfeiting was until we went on this trip.) I felt that the tour was a little rushed. At each of the 4 "stops" on the tour you only had a couple of minutes to watch what was going on in the manufacturing process. There were also wall displays along the tour that you didn't have time to look at because you were being rushed along because the next tour was right behind you. Our tour guide was very nice and tried to take time to answer our questions and accomodate us, but the overall tour schedule didn't allow for her to take very much time at any stop along the tour.
We went with our field trip group and reserved a group tour space, but they do have public tours throughout the day. The tour is free. If you are interested in more information visit www.moneyfactory.gov.
The tour begins with a video on the entire process of making money, from printing the background color to the money being monetized by the Federal Reserve. You are then joined by your tour guide who takes you along a special corridor that has been constructed for you to walk through and be able to view a portion of the printing and inspection process. Your tour guide explains the process to you and tells you lots of interesting facts, like that they print over $900,000,000 a day at the facility and that most of that money goes toward replacing old, worn money. The tour takes only about 45 minutes. The tour ends at the gift shop. After our tour, we ate lunch at the Department of Agriculture's cafeteria, about two blocks from the BEP tour entrance.
This was an informative and fun field trip. Even the younger children, who might not really understand the concept of money, were interested in watching the machines and the BEP employees. The older children (and adults) learned that making money is a very complicated process. They also learned about the security features that are designed to discourage counterfeiting. (Actually my kids didn't know what counterfeiting was until we went on this trip.) I felt that the tour was a little rushed. At each of the 4 "stops" on the tour you only had a couple of minutes to watch what was going on in the manufacturing process. There were also wall displays along the tour that you didn't have time to look at because you were being rushed along because the next tour was right behind you. Our tour guide was very nice and tried to take time to answer our questions and accomodate us, but the overall tour schedule didn't allow for her to take very much time at any stop along the tour.
We went with our field trip group and reserved a group tour space, but they do have public tours throughout the day. The tour is free. If you are interested in more information visit www.moneyfactory.gov.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Luray Zoo
Last week we went on a field trip to the zoo in Luray. It is a small rescue zoo. When I was a child, it was a very small reptile zoo with just two rooms. It has now expanded to include outdoor exhibits with many different kinds of animals.
Anything that includes animals is always a big hit with my kids, but we went with our field trip group and all of the children really seemed to enjoy it. Some of the highlights were the baby wallabees, the very active capuchen monkeys, the alligator turtle. (We even saw a copperhead passing an unfertilized egg. Our guide had quite a time explaining that to the 4-9 year olds in our group.)
Being a small zoo, our group was able to interact with the owners, asking questions about animal care and particular animals at the zoo.
One of the important things I think my children came away with is that pets are a responsibility not to be taken lightly. This is a rescue zoo. All of the animals were either exotic pets that were surrendered by their owners or animals that had been hurt and could not be returned to the wild.
Visit www.lurayzoo.com for more information.
Anything that includes animals is always a big hit with my kids, but we went with our field trip group and all of the children really seemed to enjoy it. Some of the highlights were the baby wallabees, the very active capuchen monkeys, the alligator turtle. (We even saw a copperhead passing an unfertilized egg. Our guide had quite a time explaining that to the 4-9 year olds in our group.)
Being a small zoo, our group was able to interact with the owners, asking questions about animal care and particular animals at the zoo.
One of the important things I think my children came away with is that pets are a responsibility not to be taken lightly. This is a rescue zoo. All of the animals were either exotic pets that were surrendered by their owners or animals that had been hurt and could not be returned to the wild.
Visit www.lurayzoo.com for more information.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Reflections on our first week
So, the first week of lessons has come to an end, and I think it would be a good idea to reflect on how things went. Overall it was a good week. My older son (the now fourth grader) got right back into the swing of lessons. My nephew and niece both work very well. It was a little difficult sometimes when everyone needed help or instruction, and noone is doing the same thing.
I would say the biggest problem we encountered was the four year old. He simply refused to do any work or lessons. Each day when I said, "Ok guys it's time to get started," he would tell me what he was going to do. "Mom-mom, I only going to do my calendar today." "Mom-mom, I not do colors now." What am I supposed to do about that? (Seriously, it's not a rhetorical question. I would love suggestions.) So far I just haven't fought it. I don't have time, all the other kids need my time. I let him do puzzles or play with his moon sand, and when a bigger kid has free time they read him stories and can sometimes coax him into singing his ABC's or identifying numbers for them.
I've already encountered my first unplanned interruption, when my husband decided to stay home from work on Friday and take all the boys (my nephew included) camping at Smith Mountain Lake. There went anything I had planned for Friday. The good thing is I hadn't planned anything for Monday because it is a holiday, but we are just going to have to get some work done. My husband will be home, but maybe instead of being a distraction to the boys, he can help me work with each of them individually.
Our homeschool co-op met for the first time this week. We are meeting at a new church, so there were a few snags. But overall I think it went well. I was a little concerned because my older son was moving up a level and his reading skills are not on grade level, but he loved all of his classes. I am teaching Virginia Studies, U.S. Geography, and Spelling. My classes went well, I will have to tweak some things now that I've gotten a feel for the students' abilities and prior knowledge.
I'm excited about next week. We will be going to the Luray Zoo with our field trip group. And, we are starting our Astronomy Unit Study. Now if I can just get the little one to cooperate, it will be wonderful.
I would say the biggest problem we encountered was the four year old. He simply refused to do any work or lessons. Each day when I said, "Ok guys it's time to get started," he would tell me what he was going to do. "Mom-mom, I only going to do my calendar today." "Mom-mom, I not do colors now." What am I supposed to do about that? (Seriously, it's not a rhetorical question. I would love suggestions.) So far I just haven't fought it. I don't have time, all the other kids need my time. I let him do puzzles or play with his moon sand, and when a bigger kid has free time they read him stories and can sometimes coax him into singing his ABC's or identifying numbers for them.
I've already encountered my first unplanned interruption, when my husband decided to stay home from work on Friday and take all the boys (my nephew included) camping at Smith Mountain Lake. There went anything I had planned for Friday. The good thing is I hadn't planned anything for Monday because it is a holiday, but we are just going to have to get some work done. My husband will be home, but maybe instead of being a distraction to the boys, he can help me work with each of them individually.
Our homeschool co-op met for the first time this week. We are meeting at a new church, so there were a few snags. But overall I think it went well. I was a little concerned because my older son was moving up a level and his reading skills are not on grade level, but he loved all of his classes. I am teaching Virginia Studies, U.S. Geography, and Spelling. My classes went well, I will have to tweak some things now that I've gotten a feel for the students' abilities and prior knowledge.
I'm excited about next week. We will be going to the Luray Zoo with our field trip group. And, we are starting our Astronomy Unit Study. Now if I can just get the little one to cooperate, it will be wonderful.
Friday, August 28, 2009
NPS Junior Ranger Program
We are very lucky to live right outside Shenandoah National Park. This summer we've been to Dickey Ridge; and we've hiked to Overall Run Falls and Old Rag Mountain. (All of the kids, even the 4 year old, made it to the summit!)
Earlier this year we found out about the National Park Service's program called Junior Rangers. It is offered at most national parks. Children can complete a booklet of activities and participate in ranger-led programs in order to earn a badge or patch. (There is a nominal fee to cover printing costs at some of the parks.) Each park has their own unique patch. Shenandoah National Park's Junior Ranger program is by far the most time-intensive one we've done this summer. In order to earn your SNP patch you have to complete 12 activities in the booklet and attend 2 ranger-led activities. My son has earned a patch from Yorktown National Battlefield and a badge from Petersburg National Battlefield.
I think it is a great program. It encourages children to think about why it is important to protect our natural and historic places for the future. The program also gives the kids some focus as they tour the wonderful sites made available through National Park Service. If you are planning a visit to a national park and intend to do their Junior Ranger program, make sure to get your Junior Ranger materials early in the day to ensure you have ample time to complete the activities. To find out if the park you are visiting offers a Junior Ranger program, visit the National Park Service's website at www.nps.gov.
If you are unable to visit a national park, but your child would still be interested in participating in something similar to the Junior Ranger program, you can visit www.webrangers.us.
Earlier this year we found out about the National Park Service's program called Junior Rangers. It is offered at most national parks. Children can complete a booklet of activities and participate in ranger-led programs in order to earn a badge or patch. (There is a nominal fee to cover printing costs at some of the parks.) Each park has their own unique patch. Shenandoah National Park's Junior Ranger program is by far the most time-intensive one we've done this summer. In order to earn your SNP patch you have to complete 12 activities in the booklet and attend 2 ranger-led activities. My son has earned a patch from Yorktown National Battlefield and a badge from Petersburg National Battlefield.
I think it is a great program. It encourages children to think about why it is important to protect our natural and historic places for the future. The program also gives the kids some focus as they tour the wonderful sites made available through National Park Service. If you are planning a visit to a national park and intend to do their Junior Ranger program, make sure to get your Junior Ranger materials early in the day to ensure you have ample time to complete the activities. To find out if the park you are visiting offers a Junior Ranger program, visit the National Park Service's website at www.nps.gov.
If you are unable to visit a national park, but your child would still be interested in participating in something similar to the Junior Ranger program, you can visit www.webrangers.us.
Monday Is the Big Day
Not that we haven't been learning all summer long, but Monday is the day when we start our Fall School Schedule. No more last minute obligations--I hope my family is reading this. (It's not that I mind helping them in any way. I just need advanced notice so I can make sure I've planned the boys' lesson time accordingly.)
As I said before I think the schedule is going to be key to me keeping my sanity, especially on those days I have 4 kids all doing somewhat different things. I'm not too attached to the schedule yet. I figure the first 2 weeks will be a trial run, and it will definitely need to be tweeked.
Soccer practice and co-op start next week. And the following week dance class and music lessons start. It's always a new adventure and I'm ready (I think).
As I said before I think the schedule is going to be key to me keeping my sanity, especially on those days I have 4 kids all doing somewhat different things. I'm not too attached to the schedule yet. I figure the first 2 weeks will be a trial run, and it will definitely need to be tweeked.
Soccer practice and co-op start next week. And the following week dance class and music lessons start. It's always a new adventure and I'm ready (I think).
Monday, August 17, 2009
Where Has the Time Gone?
As I try to organize my supplies and my space to prepare for a new school year, I am struck by how fast the summer has flown by. It seems we were just scrambling to finish up third grade material and take tests; and, here it is almost time to start again.
We are expecting a big change this year. My sister is going back to school to complete a nursing degree and her children will be staying with me Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. I won't have them all day everyday, but enough that I will need to keep up with some of their work too. It just makes it even more pressing for me to be more organized this year.
For social studies and science I am going to try to do Unit Studies. My neice and nephew are both close in age to my oldest son, so I think they will all be able to work on the same (or similar) material. Our first unit study is an Astronomy Unit. I'm developing it myself. I've purused several different companies' Unit Studies. Some were very in depth and/or kind of complicated, I thought. Others were extremely simplistic. I'm going to try to find a middle ground. I have developed an outline of what I think we need to cover and some activities to include. But, I don't want to be too rigid. I want to be able to expand as the kids' interest is piqued. And some things might need to be skimmed over if they aren't as interesting or dropped altogether if they are too complicated.
For language arts we are going to do Literature Studies. I actually purchased a book on this, because it is completely new to me. I'm hoping since grammar is taught in the context of the selections being studied, it might not be as boring as what I was doing last year. I am not using the spelling from the Literature Studies. Because my oldest had such a problem learning to read he still needs a very phonetically structured spelling approach, which does not describe the Literature Studies spelling at all.
Back to my original thought...we've had a wonderful, fun-filled summer. We went to the beach. We visited Yorktown and the Petersburg Battlefield. We visited family. We went on hikes. We swam at the pool. We've tended a vegetable garden that has provided (and still is providing) us with abundant zuccini and tomatoes! We've played with friends and done many other fun things. They say time flies when you're having fun--I guess that's true.
We are expecting a big change this year. My sister is going back to school to complete a nursing degree and her children will be staying with me Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. I won't have them all day everyday, but enough that I will need to keep up with some of their work too. It just makes it even more pressing for me to be more organized this year.
For social studies and science I am going to try to do Unit Studies. My neice and nephew are both close in age to my oldest son, so I think they will all be able to work on the same (or similar) material. Our first unit study is an Astronomy Unit. I'm developing it myself. I've purused several different companies' Unit Studies. Some were very in depth and/or kind of complicated, I thought. Others were extremely simplistic. I'm going to try to find a middle ground. I have developed an outline of what I think we need to cover and some activities to include. But, I don't want to be too rigid. I want to be able to expand as the kids' interest is piqued. And some things might need to be skimmed over if they aren't as interesting or dropped altogether if they are too complicated.
For language arts we are going to do Literature Studies. I actually purchased a book on this, because it is completely new to me. I'm hoping since grammar is taught in the context of the selections being studied, it might not be as boring as what I was doing last year. I am not using the spelling from the Literature Studies. Because my oldest had such a problem learning to read he still needs a very phonetically structured spelling approach, which does not describe the Literature Studies spelling at all.
Back to my original thought...we've had a wonderful, fun-filled summer. We went to the beach. We visited Yorktown and the Petersburg Battlefield. We visited family. We went on hikes. We swam at the pool. We've tended a vegetable garden that has provided (and still is providing) us with abundant zuccini and tomatoes! We've played with friends and done many other fun things. They say time flies when you're having fun--I guess that's true.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Museum of the Shenandoah Valley
Today we went to the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley for our field trip group (although my sister, our kids and I were the only ones who went). The museum is located in Winchester, VA. The museum complex includes the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, the 6-acre gardens, and Glen Burnie Historic House. We toured the museum and the gardens today.
The Shenandoah Valley Gallery shows a history of the valley from Paleo-Indians to the 1930's. It is very interactive. There are computers and video monitors where children can listen to traditional music or learn about early settlers. There are activities related to the German heritage and history of slavery in the Valley. All of the kids really got into the Scavenger Hunt. It was not very complicated. It could be completed by simply reading the titles for each of the displays or paintings. My oldest son actually said his favorite part of the museum of the Portrait Gallery in the Julian Wood Glass, Jr. Gallery. Currently they have an exhibit of O. Winston Link's railroad photography. My kids are train enthusiasts, so this was very popular with them too.
The gardens were beautiful. I think the kids liked the Asian garden the best. There is a water garden, rose gardens, a vegetable garden, and more. There was a garden Scavenger Hunt, which focused on the abundant statuary throughout the gardens.
When we left one of the older boys said that was a great field trip. Everyone was able to tell me at least one new thing they had learned. Some were about portrait painting, others were focused on the settlers having to make their furniture. The museum staff also gave me a pamphlet for the kids called "War Comes to the Valley," about the Civil War in the Shenandoah Valley. We didn't visit the Civil War Room in the museum, but the booklet is something we could read at home.
We took about 1 1/2 hours to tour the museum and 1 hour to tour the garden.
For more information about the museum, gardens or about Glen Burnie visit the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley's website at http://www.shenandoahmuseum.org/.
The Shenandoah Valley Gallery shows a history of the valley from Paleo-Indians to the 1930's. It is very interactive. There are computers and video monitors where children can listen to traditional music or learn about early settlers. There are activities related to the German heritage and history of slavery in the Valley. All of the kids really got into the Scavenger Hunt. It was not very complicated. It could be completed by simply reading the titles for each of the displays or paintings. My oldest son actually said his favorite part of the museum of the Portrait Gallery in the Julian Wood Glass, Jr. Gallery. Currently they have an exhibit of O. Winston Link's railroad photography. My kids are train enthusiasts, so this was very popular with them too.
The gardens were beautiful. I think the kids liked the Asian garden the best. There is a water garden, rose gardens, a vegetable garden, and more. There was a garden Scavenger Hunt, which focused on the abundant statuary throughout the gardens.
When we left one of the older boys said that was a great field trip. Everyone was able to tell me at least one new thing they had learned. Some were about portrait painting, others were focused on the settlers having to make their furniture. The museum staff also gave me a pamphlet for the kids called "War Comes to the Valley," about the Civil War in the Shenandoah Valley. We didn't visit the Civil War Room in the museum, but the booklet is something we could read at home.
We took about 1 1/2 hours to tour the museum and 1 hour to tour the garden.
For more information about the museum, gardens or about Glen Burnie visit the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley's website at http://www.shenandoahmuseum.org/.
Fort Raleigh
A few weeks ago, while in vacation, we went to Fort Raleigh in Manteo, North Carolina. We went late in the day, and did not participate in any of the ranger led tours or activities. Although Jamestown is the first permanent English colony in the Americas, Fort Raleigh was the English's first attempt. In 1586 the group of colonists lead by John White set out for Virginia. When the colonists arrived in the New World, they were forced to stop at Fort Raleigh, previously a base for privateering. Governor White was forced to return to England for supplies and once he arrived in England he was not able to return to his colony until 1590 because of war with Spain. When he did return, the settlement had been completely abandoned. The only clue was the word "CROATOAN" carved in a tree. The colonists were never found.
There is a small visitor's center with displays about artifacts found at the site, tools, Native Americans, and depictions of the Native Americans by Thomas Hariot, the scientist and chronicler of the ill-fated voyage. There is a reconstructed moat, earthen wall and palisade, like White found when he returned to Fort Raleigh in 1590. There are trails through the woods, with markers that identify many of the flora and how the Natives and early European settlers used the plants for food, medicine, and building materials. Many of the markers include first-hand accounts of how profitable harvesting the lumber of the region could be.
The boys probably enjoyed the nature trail the best. They would run from one sign to the next. Luckily the markers didn't include lengthy text. My 9-year old thought it was interesting to see the way they used to spell (like "f" being used for "s"). They liked the fort, but were disappointed they couldn't climb on it. My husband and the boys did have fun plotting how they would be able to sneak over the moat, earthen wall and palisades. We talked about what could have happened to the colonists.
Located on the Fort Raleigh complex are the Elizabethan Gardens. The boys and I have gone several years in a row. We love it. There are many beautiful flowers to see. It is a mature garden with wonderful large trees. One big oak tree, that is 300 years old, has a hole in its trunk that was patched with bricks. There is a fountain in the sunken garden and a gazebo overlooking Roanoke Sound where the boys like to take a rest. A beautiful statue of Virginia Dare, the first English child born in the New World and White's granddaughter born just before he returned to England for supplies, is tucked in the beautiful foliage. Last year, my oldest son, got a houseplant as his souvenir. It is some kind of geranium, and it is still living.
The Waterside Theatre, where the play Lost Colony is produced each summer, is also located on the complex. The play tells a fictional story (based on first-hand accounts of those who visited the colony before and after its disappearance) of those first colonists. We haven't gone to the play. I wanted to go this year, but decided it might not be a good idea to take my four year old. I think next year he will be able to sit still for two hours and not be distressed by it.
The Elizabethan Gardens and Waterside Theatre are not managed by the National Park service. There are separate fees associated with attending the play and visiting the gardens. If you are in the Outer Banks area, I would highly suggest visiting Fort Raleigh.
Visit the National Park website at www.nps.gov. Here you can find links to all the national parks and national historic sites throughout the country.
There is a small visitor's center with displays about artifacts found at the site, tools, Native Americans, and depictions of the Native Americans by Thomas Hariot, the scientist and chronicler of the ill-fated voyage. There is a reconstructed moat, earthen wall and palisade, like White found when he returned to Fort Raleigh in 1590. There are trails through the woods, with markers that identify many of the flora and how the Natives and early European settlers used the plants for food, medicine, and building materials. Many of the markers include first-hand accounts of how profitable harvesting the lumber of the region could be.
The boys probably enjoyed the nature trail the best. They would run from one sign to the next. Luckily the markers didn't include lengthy text. My 9-year old thought it was interesting to see the way they used to spell (like "f" being used for "s"). They liked the fort, but were disappointed they couldn't climb on it. My husband and the boys did have fun plotting how they would be able to sneak over the moat, earthen wall and palisades. We talked about what could have happened to the colonists.
Located on the Fort Raleigh complex are the Elizabethan Gardens. The boys and I have gone several years in a row. We love it. There are many beautiful flowers to see. It is a mature garden with wonderful large trees. One big oak tree, that is 300 years old, has a hole in its trunk that was patched with bricks. There is a fountain in the sunken garden and a gazebo overlooking Roanoke Sound where the boys like to take a rest. A beautiful statue of Virginia Dare, the first English child born in the New World and White's granddaughter born just before he returned to England for supplies, is tucked in the beautiful foliage. Last year, my oldest son, got a houseplant as his souvenir. It is some kind of geranium, and it is still living.
The Waterside Theatre, where the play Lost Colony is produced each summer, is also located on the complex. The play tells a fictional story (based on first-hand accounts of those who visited the colony before and after its disappearance) of those first colonists. We haven't gone to the play. I wanted to go this year, but decided it might not be a good idea to take my four year old. I think next year he will be able to sit still for two hours and not be distressed by it.
The Elizabethan Gardens and Waterside Theatre are not managed by the National Park service. There are separate fees associated with attending the play and visiting the gardens. If you are in the Outer Banks area, I would highly suggest visiting Fort Raleigh.
Visit the National Park website at www.nps.gov. Here you can find links to all the national parks and national historic sites throughout the country.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Preventing Summertime Brain Drain
Well, summer is flying by and I haven't been keeping up with this project. I can't believe it is July already!
It is important for children to have some review through the summer. As a former teacher I can tell you that when the students returned to school in August, it was like they had lost a grade's worth of material through the summer. You always spent September, and sometimes part of October, reviewing material they should have already known. Since I homeschool a struggling learner, it is especially important that we try to keep what he learned for third grade fresh in his mind.
I purchased a Grade 3-4 "bridge"-book, a workbook that reviews concepts from the previous grade in preparation for the next grade. The one we have is published by Evan Moor. I like the books by this publisher. I'd used some of their materials when I was teaching in second grade. They can be great supplements to use in your lessons. The activities in the book are very short (15-20 minutes a day) and provide means for the child to self-monitor independent reading and to reflect on what they might have learned throughout the week. Each week's activities cover topics in reading comprehension, grammar, handwriting, math, problem solving, and geography.
I've also been encouraging my husband to randomly quiz both the boys on things that they learned last year. We try to not make it obtrusive. If we are at a store or read about something in a book that relates to something they've learned, then my husband or I will ask them a question about it. The little one is learning colors, shapes, numbers, and letters. He loves to tell you he knows the letters or numbers on signs. Our older son likes to show what he knows too. So a single question about why the town might have erected that statue in front of the courthouse could lead to him telling you all about U.S. military history.
We are still going on field trips. They are a bit more informal than those we went on during the "school year." Instead of having a formal lesson and writing reflections about what was learned, I might read them a story or talk to them about what they might see or learn and then after the trip I encourage them to tell me about their favorite part and something that they learned on the field trip. The boys still have a great time and learn a lot from each trip.
Games are great. My oldest son loves to play board games. Kids actually learn a lot from games.
Even if you don't purchase a workbook or do mini-lessons with your child, just interacting with your children. Encouraging them to help you figure amounts at the grocery store, to talk to you about prior knowledge before reading a book or what they read about in the book, to play games as a family. All of the these things can foster those connections in the brain that keep the essential knowledge from getting buried deep in their brains. So, instead of spending a month or more reviewing, you can delve right into new, exciting material when you start lessons in the fall.
It is important for children to have some review through the summer. As a former teacher I can tell you that when the students returned to school in August, it was like they had lost a grade's worth of material through the summer. You always spent September, and sometimes part of October, reviewing material they should have already known. Since I homeschool a struggling learner, it is especially important that we try to keep what he learned for third grade fresh in his mind.
I purchased a Grade 3-4 "bridge"-book, a workbook that reviews concepts from the previous grade in preparation for the next grade. The one we have is published by Evan Moor. I like the books by this publisher. I'd used some of their materials when I was teaching in second grade. They can be great supplements to use in your lessons. The activities in the book are very short (15-20 minutes a day) and provide means for the child to self-monitor independent reading and to reflect on what they might have learned throughout the week. Each week's activities cover topics in reading comprehension, grammar, handwriting, math, problem solving, and geography.
I've also been encouraging my husband to randomly quiz both the boys on things that they learned last year. We try to not make it obtrusive. If we are at a store or read about something in a book that relates to something they've learned, then my husband or I will ask them a question about it. The little one is learning colors, shapes, numbers, and letters. He loves to tell you he knows the letters or numbers on signs. Our older son likes to show what he knows too. So a single question about why the town might have erected that statue in front of the courthouse could lead to him telling you all about U.S. military history.
We are still going on field trips. They are a bit more informal than those we went on during the "school year." Instead of having a formal lesson and writing reflections about what was learned, I might read them a story or talk to them about what they might see or learn and then after the trip I encourage them to tell me about their favorite part and something that they learned on the field trip. The boys still have a great time and learn a lot from each trip.
Games are great. My oldest son loves to play board games. Kids actually learn a lot from games.
Even if you don't purchase a workbook or do mini-lessons with your child, just interacting with your children. Encouraging them to help you figure amounts at the grocery store, to talk to you about prior knowledge before reading a book or what they read about in the book, to play games as a family. All of the these things can foster those connections in the brain that keep the essential knowledge from getting buried deep in their brains. So, instead of spending a month or more reviewing, you can delve right into new, exciting material when you start lessons in the fall.
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