Science: general
Photos of real Snowflakes - website
I came across this wonderful website with amazing photos of real snowflakes (snow crystals).
http://snowflakebentley.com/snowflakes.htm
Go to the "Home" page on the website to see this history of how the photos were done and some informatuion about Mr. Bentley, the photographer.
The man who did this work is long dead, but I thought it was appropriate time of year to post this since many folks are growing weary of snow and ice! May this impart a new perspective!
Blessings,
Debbie in Raleigh | | cci-lbs |
Organization/time management
Busy days...expected or unexpected
We all get hit with a busy day here and there. Sometimes they are planned, sometimes they are not. Instead of just throwing all schoolwork out the window on those days, I've devised a back-up plan. I sat down and figured out the main things I want each child to have learned by the end of the year. These are the areas in which they need more work...basic skils, etc. For example, I would like to see huge improvements in my oldest's math, spelling, and handwriting this year. My youngest needs work on reading, and handwriting. I am calling these their "Core subjects". I printed up a page for each, listing their core subjects plus piano practice (and typing practice for my oldest). On those busy days, we drop History, science, latin, read-a-louds, etc. and just do the core schedule. It doesn't take very long, they get practice in the areas that need most help, and I don't feel guilty! | | photomama |
Other
Saving Money on Books
Save money, have your students write all work on separate piece of paper. Lined paper is relatively inexpensive, especially if you get those back-to-school deals. Don't let them write in the student workbooks. There are a lot of teacher's editions/guides and answer keys on the market, but not very many student workbooks. Then if the workbook is in good condition, you can resell it, with the teacher's key/guide as a matching set!
Another thing that can be done is buy the quiz/test key only and cover the answers with paper and secure with a small piece of tape. The student can put their answers on the paper, then you can remove the paper to view the answers for correcting. | | boofin |
| | Organization/time management
Organizing -work or play???
If you are overwhelmed by the "clutter" around you - whether it is the kitchen, books, bedrooms, etc...then get busy playing. That's right, I said playing---if you are guilty of moping or walking around nagging about cleaning--you are letting the "stuff" control your life. Get busy with the kids and act like cleaning and organizing is fun and in just a few short minutes - they'll want in on the "fun" too. Put some uplifting music on and try it (it really works and remember you are helping them to become who they are). This "play" is catagorized under "life skills" and is definately counted as school - Happy homeschooling! | | mammasdawlins |
Unit studies
Download N Go
Written by Amanda Bennett and the Old Schoolhouse Magazine. These are awesome! Seriously all the preparation needed is that you download the unit and GO! Start your journey as soon as the pages are printed by clicking on the links to go to the suggested sites and start your learning adventure. You don't even have to find books from the library although there are suggested books during each day of the study that you can use. We started "Destination Australia" today and really had fun. The kids are proud of the work they completed and have already shown it off to other family members! | | maadrose |
Lang arts: spelling/vocab
All About Spelling
This is such an awesome spelling program. It uses the Orton-Gillingham method of learning which uses phonics rules and hands-on learning. This program is for all students and works well with students with dyslexia or other such learning disabilities. My daughter just started level 5 and spelling has become her favorite subject! We thoroughly enjoy this spelling program as it is easy to use and is fun for the student. Another plus is that it has built in review to keep the rules fresh in the student's mind. | | maadrose |
Bible & Spiritual growth
An Exhortation for Home Schoolers
Deuteronomy 6:5-9
Love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates. | | swsbg1 |
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