Home School Category
September 6th, 2008 by admin in Home School
I work with many children who have counting as one of their goals. I have found that music is most effective in helping clients to count 1-20. Once the numbers get larger than 20, the words are too big to easily fit into the melodies and rhythms of songs. The music then becomes more distracting than helpful. I like to further break down counting in groups of ten so that a song counts up or down 1-10 or 10-20. I do this for the same reason we have phone numbers split up into groups. It is easier to remember information when it is split into “chunks.”
There are many kinds of melodies that work nicely for counting, but the simplest way to use music and counting is to count up or down a scale. This works very nicely for a variety of reasons. A scale naturally has a beginning and end if you are singing eight numbers since a normal scale comprises eight notes. Most people are used to hearing an eight note scale even if they cannot sing it themselves. They can usually tell you that something is wrong with a scale even if they do not know specifically what the problem might be. As a scale is being sung the next note is anticipated and can be used to help remember a number. Certain notes in a scale “feel” less comfortable to stop on and have a powerful impetus to move to the next note. Without getting too technical, this is similar to the feeling you will get if you stop singing the Happy Birthday song at the end of the song, “…happy birthday to _____,” and do not sing the last note with the word “you.” Most people will have the urge to fill in the last note and word for the song. Singing up or down a scale without finishing the entire scale can have the same effect so it becomes a powerful mental “hook” in remembering numbers.
I have also used original melodies to group numbers. The most important aspect of using a melody to learn sequences of numbers is to keep the melody simple and fairly short. To maximize the effectiveness of the counting song you should use a different melody for each group of numbers so that each melody has a unique set of lyrics. You may “piggyback” the numbers on the melody of a known song, but I do not recommend doing this very often. I will talk about “piggyback” songs in a different post, but if you use the same melody for too many different kinds of information it will lose effectiveness. This is just a short primer for using songs to help with counting, but 1, 2, 3… GO!
Music Makes Sense http://www.musicmakessense.blogspot.com/
Homeschooling Series: Preschoolers Course of Study in Mathematics
The younger the child, the more crucial the teaching-learning process. Preschool years are lay the foundation for a well-rounded and wholistic education. Hence, it is important for homeschooling parents to get a better survey or report of subject matters to tackle in homeschooling their preschoolers in Mathematics, most importantly with Math bein...
Simple Steps to Learning Music- Easy Steps to Learning a Musical Instrument
Playing a musical instrument is a skill that is often looked at as being reserved for only a select few. From my experience of teaching years of elementary music I have found that the number of students who can be successful with an instrument is far greater than most people believe. In fact, I have yet to find a student who couldnt make an instr...
Get Fit And Get Married
You want to lose some weight before your wedding so you start counting calories and fat content of everything you eat. For a few days, maybe even a week, this strategy seems to work. But eventually you "hunger" for your old way of eating and your old weight returns and then some. Stop thinking about numbers and grams and just increase your intak...
Homeschool Math Lessons Made Easy - The Secrets of Learning - Understanding Math Games
Math GamesGames can be very effective tools for teaching math to elementary students, especially if they are designed properly. Those who are familiar with the game of Cribbage know how quickly you can learn to add numbers up to 15. A game that is fun enough to be repeated over and over again can give a student a chance to practice their skills. ...
How to Lose Weight Quickly
Although it's best to lose weight slowly by eating healthy and exercising, what if you hit a plateau or need to lose a few pounds quickly for an upcoming event? There are a few things you can do to help those pounds come off faster. You'll fit into that little black dress (or something else) by December.1. Drink more water. This helps your body f...
Homeschool Lessons Made Easy - The Importance of Learning for the First Time
There is a First Time for EverythingThe first time a student learns a skill is the most important. This is the time when the path for learning is established. There are many examples of this. When we accidentally call someone by the wrong name, our mind will always go back to the time we thought a persons name was Dale when it is actually Dave. ...
Substance Abuse Treatment Service Today
Millions of Americans today receive health care for mental or substance-use problems and illnesses. These conditions are the leading cause of combined disability and death of women and the second highest of men. Effective addiction treatments exist and continually improve. However, as with general health care, deficiencies in drug rehab delivery pr...
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September 5th, 2008 by admin in Home School
One of the things that discourages parents from homeschooling is the fear that they are not really qualified to educate their own children. Perhaps they didnt do well in school themselves, or they dont have a post-secondary education. Or, maybe they dont think they have the patience to teach their child.
The truth is, though, most parents are fully qualified to teach their own children. By the time your child reaches school age, you have probably been your childs primary teacher for 5 or 6 years. And just look at everything your child has learned!
In most cases, you will have taught your child to understand language and to communicate using words. If thats not enough for you, remember that you have also taught your child to walk and run. And it doesnt stop there. You have probably taught your child how to behave so he will fit into our society.
If youre really not capable of teaching, how were you able to teach a child all this within a few short years?
First of all, you may have had support from friends, family members, and experts such as your doctor. In this same way, homeschooling parents draw on the many resources available to them to help them teach their children: teachers, curriculum experts, even other families who have homeschooled successfully.
Secondly, as your child developed, each of these accomplishments was the result of a natural progression and desire to learn. Your child wanted to speak, so you encouraged him to make coherent sounds. He wanted to walk, so you held his hand while he found his balance. In the same way, your child will have a desire to read. As his teacher, you will teach him the steps of reading. He will recognize patterns in numbers. You will help him understand what they mean.
Finally, when you first became a parent, you probably took steps to educate yourself for the tasks ahead. When I first learned I was pregnant, I read every book I could find about caring for newborns and being a new mother. As my children grow, I learn as much as I can about the stages theyll be going through and how I can prepare myself for them. Homeschooling is no different in this way either. Most homeschooling parents read books, subscribe to magazines and visit online resources to learn how to be the best home school parent they can be.
Almost any parent who is committed to helping her child develop is fully capable of homeschooling that child.
Denise Willms is co-owner of WAHM-Articles.com and author of the eBook, Uncovering the Secrets of WAHM Article Marketing. Visit http://www.wahm-articles.com to get your copy and to submit your own WAHM articles.
Homeschooling Statistics: Numbers Do Not Lie
Homeschooling statistics show the obvious advantages of homeschooling. In fact, any form of home schooling, whether it is Christian homeschooling or even homeschooling online with homeschooling software, research shows that all homeschooling programs will benefit children greatly. Read further and see just how much homeschooling will help a child...
The Downside of Homeschooling
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Homeschool Info That Every Parent Needs to Know
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The Home Schooling Movement
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Ensuring The Viability Of A Home School Diploma
In this society, hard work towards a specific goal generally culminates in a celebration when that goal is achieved; there is no better example than that of graduation from school. A milestone of every school-aged child, graduation means the end of twelve years of schooling and the opportunity to go on to higher education in pursuit of a career. Bu...
Deciding On Home School Preschool
The decision of whether or not to send a child to preschool is a personal choice largely dependent on adequate and affordable programs in a particular area. While some areas provide district funded programs designed to prepare children for kindergarten, others offer only private preschool programs that come at a price. However, there is also the op...
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September 5th, 2008 by admin in Home School
It is inevitable that as your child advances to a higher homeschooling level, you encounter subjects that you are unfamiliar with. Here are some tips for you, as a parent, in order to help yourself and help your child.
1. Study the material together with your child, separately. By studying along with your child and using your childs materials, you will be able to assist your child more as you tackle one subject skill or concept at a time. Should there be anything that your child does not easily understand, you will be able to translate and explain the concept easily to your child in a more mentally-digestive language as the concept and the subject is still fresh in your mind.
2. Use multi-media such as video courses, ebooks, online course to study along with your child. Explore as much sources as you possibly can. In multi-media, a childs interest is further increased as it involves not only one sensory perception such as visual, but it includes aural or auditory as well. Computer courses or online course are also more interactive to the child and thus, learning becomes significant and more information is retained.
3. Try doing some research in the internet. There may be online courses for one subject. Learning the subject along with your child and using other references will allow you a broader view of the subject.
4. Ask the assistance from your homeschooling support group. You may know a homeschooling parent who has more knowledge on the subject. Exchange of ideas will be helpful. A mother can help you with the subject you are unfamiliar with and you can help her with a subject she is unfamiliar with. Also, you may use peer tutoring along with other older kids. An older homeschooled kid may have learned and may excel on the subject. Peer tutoring is also one way of tapping into your childs group learning behavior.
5. Hire the assistance of a college student from your area who is majoring on the subject. Not only will you be able to help your child, you will be able to help anothers child as well. Extra hours of tutoring jobs after school a few hours a week will go a long way for your child and for the college kids budget needs.
JB Anthony is the webmaster of http://www.guide-to-homeschooling.com. To link to homeschooling online courses, homeschooling how-tos articles, homeschooling subjects and curriculum and for a comprehensive guide to homeschooling, simply log on to http://www.guide-to-homeschooling.com.
Homeschooling Series: Preschoolers Course of Study in Mathematics
The younger the child, the more crucial the teaching-learning process. Preschool years are lay the foundation for a well-rounded and wholistic education. Hence, it is important for homeschooling parents to get a better survey or report of subject matters to tackle in homeschooling their preschoolers in Mathematics, most importantly with Math bein...
Free Homeschooling Curriculum
Most people think homeschooling is expensive and is only for the well off. Homeschooling need not be expensive, for example free homeschooling curriculum materials can be obtained quite easily if you know where to look.Free homeschooling curriculum does not just means a set of books but more than that, it should be part of your homeschooling plan.H...
Guide To Homeschooling: How To Start And End Your Homeschooling Day
Many parents new to homeschooling are baffled as to how to start and end a homeschooling day. Should they start out as early as public and private schools? How should the homeschooling day be structured? What should be the time allotment for each subject?A homeschooling day need not start out as early as public or private school. And albeit qua...
The High Costs Of Homeschooling
Most people think that homeschooling is cheap since there is no need to pay for school fees and other miscellaneous fees. However, that is further than the truth.In truth, homeschooling expenses can be greater than if you send your child to a regular public school. Public schools are partially funded by government funding whereas for homeschooling,...
3 Tips To Help You Reduce The Cost Of Homeschooling
Homeschooling can be an expensive choice for parents. There are many expenditures that need to be taken into account and the financial burden can be heavy particularly if only one parent is working.However, many families have chosen homeschooling and found the homeschooling experience to be rewarding and fruitful.Though homeschooling is expensive, ...
5 Steps to Achieve Before Deciding on Homeschooling
1. Read a Lot and Gain KnowledgeIts totally important that you are well-informed not only on how to teach your children but also on how well you know the subjects youre going to teach. Think of the range of subjects your children would encounter in the public school system. History, science, and literature are some of them. Read extensively on the ...
Guide To Homeschooling: How To Start With Homeschooling
To homeschool or not to homeschool is a tough choice a parent has to decide on. And once the decision of homeschooling your child has been made, the next step is to start homeschooling and to start it right.Let us say for example that given the advantages and disadvantages of homeschooling, after having considered the amount of work, creativity an...
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September 5th, 2008 by admin in Home School
Homeschoolers can roughly be divided into two groups unschoolers and those who use some form of curriculum. There is a whole spectrum of homeschoolers in between using different philosophies to drive their homeschool vision.
No matter where you are in your homeschool journey, a homeschooling mom needs to make sure that a homeschool curriculum stays in its place. If it becomes the master which dictates to a parent and thus forces real life learning out, it needs to be brought under strict control.
Homeschool curriculums used for Math, Science, Language and other difficult subjects are often very welcome in a homeschooling home where moms, like me, are not strong in those subjects. This is the beauty of using a curriculum as it relieves a burden from the homeschooling moms shoulders.
For subjects that lend themselves to a more relaxed learning style those like history, geography and life orientation as much real life should be used. Using literature to study history and geography is so much better than memorizing dry dates and facts. It allows a child to be at home in a single region - seeing the people at work, the flowers and fruits in their season, the animal in its habitat Charlotte Mason. History and geography chronicles, or living books, nourish the mind with ideas, and to furnish the imagination with pictures Charlotte Mason.
Real life has a way of stretching our children to think beyond themselves, to care for the needs of others, to serve in their homes and to learn all the valuable lifeskills that they need for the rest of their lives. Our homes have all that our children need to teach them how to care for themselves and others. Equipping them in how to work in their own home, equips them for a career one day - either for an employer or as a self employed individual. The attitudes and attributes that make a good employee are the same attitudes and attributes that make a good kid. Christine Fields, Lifeskills for Kids.
As you come alongside your children and train them to do their chores they learn how to complete a task they begin. Chores teach our children problem solving, paid chores teach financial management and getting older children to help younger children helps them to learn patience.
Meal preparation is a wonderful platform to teach home economics which is an asset to both boys and girls. As you plan your weeks meals, plan for some of your children to be your helpers. As you bake your snacks and treats, draw your youngest children in to help. These casual times of being together are when you can impart your own kernels of knowledge to your children. These times also are valuable for drawing your children close to you in amongst the busyness of your days as a homeschooling mom.
Relevant Outings provide a wonderful way for your children to learn things by seeing and doing. Outings to historical, geographical and scientific places of interest can be journalled and photographed and notebooked so that you can keep records of what your children are learning. Just a warning overdoing outings can become tiring to a mom; make sure they are planned carefully.
Ultimately a wise homeschool moms plans a balance between curriculum and real life learning, incorporating good literature, work and service at home, outings and homeschool curriculum.
Wendy Young is a homeschooling mom to 4 children aged 12 - 5 years. They have always been at home with her. She has been married for 17 years. Her homeschooling website http://www.homeschool-curriculum-for-life.com is dedicated to helping homeschooling moms get organized, enjoy the journey and live life to its fullest.
Free Homeschooling Curriculum
Most people think homeschooling is expensive and is only for the well off. Homeschooling need not be expensive, for example free homeschooling curriculum materials can be obtained quite easily if you know where to look.Free homeschooling curriculum does not just means a set of books but more than that, it should be part of your homeschooling plan.H...
Homeschooling: The Art Of Real-Life Education
Homeschooling is the education of through the non-traditional system of education found in mainstream public and private school. In homeschooling, a child is being taught the same subject matters as those students going to traditional, mainstream, public or private schools. Although homeschooling does not have the strict structure found in mainst...
How To Start Homeschooling?
Choosing to homeschool your child is not an easy decision. There are many considerations to keep mind when deciding to go the homeschool route.So how do you get started after you have made the decision to go homeschooling?Here are the list of things you might want to find out and prepare before even starting your first homeschooling session.1) Home...
Homeschooling Statistics: Numbers Do Not Lie
Homeschooling statistics show the obvious advantages of homeschooling. In fact, any form of home schooling, whether it is Christian homeschooling or even homeschooling online with homeschooling software, research shows that all homeschooling programs will benefit children greatly. Read further and see just how much homeschooling will help a child...
Basics of Homeschooling
There are instances when homeschooling is vastly more preferable than traditional schools. This is in situations when students are not fit to go to traditional classroom settings for one reason or another. Common reasons are problems with mental ability, emotional immaturity and social incapability. Still, there are a lot of things that you have to...
5 Advantages Of Homeschooling
What makes homeschooling better than traditional schooling? Lately, there is a rising trend in families choosing to homeschool their child than send their child to a traditional educational institution.Lets look at some of the benefits of homeschooling over traditional schooling:1. Flexible ScheduleHomeschooling enables a flexible schedule. For exa...
Guide To Homeschooling: How To Start With Homeschooling
To homeschool or not to homeschool is a tough choice a parent has to decide on. And once the decision of homeschooling your child has been made, the next step is to start homeschooling and to start it right.Let us say for example that given the advantages and disadvantages of homeschooling, after having considered the amount of work, creativity an...
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September 5th, 2008 by admin in Home School
How will I get them to do some work?
Picture the following scene:
It is Monday morning and the start of another challenging week of teaching. What are your feelings?
Do you find yourself excited and looking forward to the challenge? Are you looking forward to another rewarding week of teaching and learning? The most fortunate among us get to feel that way on a regular basis. Or are you instead feeling something else. Perhaps the dread of convincing your student that the learning experience is going to be well worth the effort! It is a unique yet all too familiar feeling of K12 Defeat.
Parents teaching in the home are often faced with this feeling of K12 Defeat. A sinking feeling that no matter what we try the learner is not going to engage. There are varying degrees of K12 defeat and it is important to know how to recognize it and deal with it.
Mild K12 Defeat.
In some people the feeling of defeat will begin an hour before the start time, but it passes quickly and before you know it you are into the lesson and you and your student are whisked away into new worlds of learning. This feeling of defeat could be compounded by a late night or having to deal with new materials.
What to do:
Relax and remember: The feeling is only temporary. Your brain will calm as soon as you show yourself you are on your game.
Keep your lessons short: A short lesson time is known to support retention.
Moderate K12 Defeat:
The next stage of K12 Defeat is characterized by heightened anxiety while planning the lesson for the following day. The curriculum seems so long and arduous but somehow you choose a few lessons and plan your following day. The more you plan the more you question how you are to get the student excited about covering the materials. You are concentrating on the K12 Defeat rather than on what you will be successful at.
What to do:
In addition to the above suggestions, make sure you are getting adequate sleep.
Identify things about the teaching process that you enjoy or look forward to.
As crazy as it sounds some people have found that limiting their teaching time helps them focus for a good short burst with lots of interactive exciting materials. Three short bursts are far superior to one long intricately planned lesson.
Severe K12 Defeat
The third level of K12 defeat involves the lack of participation by the student. Defeat to this level is sensed and acted out by the student and forms a double whammy for the parent teacher! Now they are dealing with twice the K12 Defeat as the other two levels. Merely looking at the curriculum will turn ones stomach and the sight of a disgruntled student has the parent/teacher not wanting to bother!
What to do:
Isolate the areas of the curriculum that really have you feeling uncomfortable. Ask yourself if you have had prior experiences that may have you prejudging your ability to share and teach this with your student.
Consult a teaching professional to look at where your program delivery might need changing.
Consider learning more about how your student best learns and see if you can involve more social and interactive aspects to the lessons.
Be careful in openly sharing your displeasure of the program with your student. Kids will quickly pick up on negative feelings and mirror them!!
Consider a different learning plan for your student.
All of us experience some form of K12 Defeat from time to time. It is how we respond to it that makes the difference.
Margit Barreras
2Think2Learn.com
Make homework hassles a thing of the past. Have your Virtual Student engaging and excelling in response to your improved teaching skills. Visit us at 2Think2Learn.com for more interactive approaches to implementing k12 Virtual programs in the home.
Public Schools Vs Home Schooling - Which Provides The Best Elementary Education?
If you are a parent then you probably already know that children learn best when they are young, it has been proven. What does this mean for you though? It means that when it comes down to deciding where your child will get his/her elementary education you should think about it long and hard.What should you do? Let your child go to a public educati...
The Different Cons of Homeschooling
Despite being a viable alternative to traditional classroom setting, there are still some people who feel that Homeschooling is not for everyone. Like many things, this new system of education has its disadvantages.
Here are some of them.1. When you decide to put your kids to homeschooling, you have to be prepared to spend all day with your child...
How To Home School Your Child
Your child has come home for the third day in a row with a black eye. Or your child is lagging behind the other kids in class because the teacher does not have time to give him or her special attention. Or your child is learning a lesson at school that you do not agree with and you wish you could tailor the lesson plan so that he or she only learns...
4 Reasons Why You Should Homeschool Your Child
A recent survey indicated that nearly 30% of American parents are seriously considering homeschooling their children rather than sending them to school. Home schooling is a different way of education for many parents. It allows children to be educated at home free from the daily school assignments and pressure. It also allows more bonding time betw...
Why Parents Are Qualified to Homeschool Their Children
One of the things that discourages parents from homeschooling is the fear that they are not really qualified to educate their own children. Perhaps they didnt do well in school themselves, or they dont have a post-secondary education. Or, maybe they dont think they have the patience to teach their child.The truth is, though, most parents are fully ...
Home Schooling - To Teach Or Not To Teach
You have finally done it! The terrible twos are done, the tumultuous threes have passed and the torrid fours are behind you. It is time to send your bundle of joy to kindergarten! Especially if you are a stay at home mom you may be dreaming of a full or half day of alone time while your youngster scampers off to join the educational system. Or ...
Home Schooling - The Disadvantages
While there are many benefits to home schooling there is also a downside, so you have to give it some serious consideration before you go down the home education route.One thing to consider is the time that you have to devote to the schooling of your children. You may have to sacrifice part of your social life, as well as the disruption to your sho...
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September 4th, 2008 by admin in Home School
When we think about methods for teaching children math, the first things that probably come to mind are flash cards, repetition and memorization, pie charts, workbooks, and the like. But one method you may not have thought of, or even heard of, is the use of educational manipulatives and games.
What are the benefits of using educational manipulatives and games for learning math?
First of all, you may be wondering, just what are educational manipulatives? Our official definition of manipulate means to treat or operate with or as if with the hands or by mechanical means especially in a skillful manner (Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary). In other words, its doing something or handling something with the hands. But how does this relate to teaching math?
Well, when you want to teach children about money, what do you do? You pull out some coins and some bills and you explain how much each is worth and how they relate to one another. This is a hands-on approach to teaching the value of money using manipulatives.
Educational math manipulatives are things the students can actually touch and pick up with their hands. They come in all shapes, colors and sizes. Manipulatives can give the student a three dimensional hands-on picture of the concepts they are learning. And, best of all, they are easy to use.
Manipulatives are usually cubes, rods, tiles or cards with or without numbers on them. If your child is just starting out, you would use the ones without numbers. One example of this is Cuisenaire rods.
Cuisenaire rods are a collection of rectangular rods, each of a different color and size. They help students visualize problems involving fractions and can be used to teach the basics of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. After your child learns the basics, then you can use the cubes, rods or tiles with numbers and symbols on them. These are used just like flash cards.
But what if you want to teach about geometric shapes or fractions or patterns?
First, there are geometric manipulatives. These can be used to teach children about cylinders, spheres, cubes, pyramids and cones. Some geometric manipulatives are whole. Others are divided into parts to make it easier to demonstrate the adding or subtracting of those parts. Suppliers of geometric manipulatives usually provide an activity book with many lessons to help the student understand geometric relationships.
There are also manipulatives that teach about fractions. These are usually made out of foam or plastic. They can be used to help the student understand the relationship between whole things and parts of things.
Manipulatives that teach design and patterning skills are very popular. Perhaps it is
because they are often used in crafts. Crafting can be fun, but how many children realize they are developing their problem solving skills while they are doing crafts? Pretty sneaky, huh?
Another way to enhance learning is with games.
We all know children need to learn their math facts. Although some children can learn these facts the first time they see them, most children learn by seeing them over and over again. They learn by repetition. Simply using flash cards or workbook pages can be boring and not very stimulating.
But by using a game, children get the needed repetition in an interesting, fun way. And there are games available for all levels of learning. For example, the game Sum Swamp is for beginners who need practice with addition and subtraction. Totally Tut is another game that gives practice in addition, subtraction, multiplication and division as well as order of operation practice.
Does your child need practice with logic, strategy or pattern recognition? Tic Tac Twice is a fun game that will surely help. Players use two boards at once. A good move on one board may not be a good move on the other. Players must place four playing pieces in a row across, up, down or diagonal on one board. This game is based on algebraic principles.
Geoshapes is a game that is a little more challenging. Students will plan strategies and calculate risk while getting practice with their math. The goal is to be the first to fill a figure with combinations of geometric shapes.
Whatever your childs learning goals, there are games and other tools to help. Educational manipulatives and games are some of the often-overlooked tools in our educational arsenal that can be used to both teach and entertain at the same time. While traditional methods of teaching math that have proven their value should certainly not be abandoned, educational manipulatives and games can and should be used as a resource to overcome those short attention spans for which most children are famous.
Lisa Lee is co-owner of http://www.BestHomeEdToys.com , specializing in educational toys, games and learning products, with an emphasis on the home schooling family.
Homeschool Math Lessons Made Easy - The Secrets of Learning - Understanding Math Games
Math GamesGames can be very effective tools for teaching math to elementary students, especially if they are designed properly. Those who are familiar with the game of Cribbage know how quickly you can learn to add numbers up to 15. A game that is fun enough to be repeated over and over again can give a student a chance to practice their skills. ...
Mental Math, Making Math Fun!
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There is an amazing technique that changes the skills and attitudes of math students. It teaches students to understand math in a whole new way. For those students who count fingers to solve simple addition questions or students who count sets (8 + 8 + 8) for simple multiplication questions, math becomes easy. In any given class there are one t...
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Homeschool Lessons Made Easy - The Importance of Learning for the First Time
There is a First Time for EverythingThe first time a student learns a skill is the most important. This is the time when the path for learning is established. There are many examples of this. When we accidentally call someone by the wrong name, our mind will always go back to the time we thought a persons name was Dale when it is actually Dave. ...
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Playing a musical instrument is a skill that is often looked at as being reserved for only a select few. From my experience of teaching years of elementary music I have found that the number of students who can be successful with an instrument is far greater than most people believe. In fact, I have yet to find a student who couldnt make an instr...
Corporate Party Games - Livening Up Your Next Work Function
At any corporate party, games are great for two reasons they allow workmates to bond and have fun together, and they are an ice-breaker for people who may not know each other. Here are 2 corporate party games to play at your next corporate party:"The Gift Game" Corporate Party GameThis is one of the simplest corporate party games, but is still loa...
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September 4th, 2008 by admin in Home School
The inconsistencies surrounding educational programs throughout the nation, in combination with the educational needs of particular students, have resulted in the increasing popularity of home schooling. In this non-traditional school setting, parents feel that they can better address the learning needs of their children in a variety of ways.
The curriculum put in place for a home school course is consistent with that curriculum designed for grades K-12 in public and private schools. It is the responsibility of the home school instructor most often the parent of the home schooled child to effectively deliver a home school course that is in line with meeting educational benchmarks set forth by the school district administration.
A home school course can be especially beneficial for those students who struggle with particular learning and physical disabilities. The home school environment removes the social and emotional implications of attending public or private school; it also clearly combats the issues that can arise when trying to teach a child with specialized learning requirements in an overcrowded classroom. Rather, a home school course cuts through the clutter and focuses only on the lessons at hand.
For those who home school, they must choose a home school course that best serves their particular situation. The basic courses from which to choose include those offered online, through the use of instructional DVDs, on computer software, and, of course, through the use of traditional course textbooks. There is no preferred home school course; it simply must meet the instructional needs you require and work best for the learning preferences of your child. While some students learn best through reading, others may respond better to processing the material through sound, making DVD instruction more effective.
The only requirements of each home school course is that it meets the curriculum guidelines established by your school district and can be easily incorporated into your home schooling environment.
Home schooling can be an effective and successful alternative to a traditional school setting. Ultimately, the most important consideration is the educational needs of the student and assisting them in meeting their goals in learning.
For easy to understand, in depth information about home school course visit our ezGuide 2 Home School.
5 Steps to Achieve Before Deciding on Homeschooling
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In this society, hard work towards a specific goal generally culminates in a celebration when that goal is achieved; there is no better example than that of graduation from school. A milestone of every school-aged child, graduation means the end of twelve years of schooling and the opportunity to go on to higher education in pursuit of a career. Bu...
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September 3rd, 2008 by admin in Home School
There are a number of advantages to home schooling programs, and by considering these, along with the disadvantages; parents can decide if home schooling is a good choice for their family. Advantages to home schooling include better socialization, education, and family connections. Children receive a unique kind of education through home schooling, and parents should learn all they can about the subject before making a choice about starting such a program. Home schooling can work for every child if the parents are dedicated to teaching.
Although many people question the socialization aspect of home schooling, research has been done and shows that home schoolers have many advantages in the socialization area. For example, not all children of the same age develop mentally at the same rate, even though they are usually thrown into the same class at school. When your child is home schooled, age barriers are more easily overcome and he or she can develop friendships with other children of the same intelligence and maturity level, regardless of age. Children also can use educational time as purely academic, instead as of social time, as is often the case in school settings. Home schooling removes this distraction.
Because of this, children have more of an opportunity to learn. This is not the only way in which children who are home schooled are able to achieve more academically. Home schooling also allows students and their parent-teachers to specifically build a program based on student needs. Home schooled children work at their own pace for every subject, and so have a better opportunity to fully learn that subject before moving on to the next concept. Home schooling also gives children the chance to participate in unique learning events such as monthly field trips and educational games. Learning can be less of a chore and more fun for home schooled students, which makes this a good option for children who have behavioral problems in traditional school settings.
Lastly, home schooling creates a bond between children and their families. There is less sibling rivalry, and brothers and sisters can thus learn from one another. Students also create a unique bond with parents, who serve as teachers. Home schooled families are often very close-knit. Parents can also teach family values during educational lessons that are not normally instilled into a child during school. This can be very beneficial both when the child is young and as the child enters the tough teen years. Because more time is spent with the family as a whole, home schooling can be rewarding for everyone on every level. These advantages to home schooling cannot be overlooked, and you should research them fully to find out if a home schooling program is right for your family.
For more valuable information on Home Schooling visit Home School Resource.
Home Schooling
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September 2nd, 2008 by admin in Home School
Many parents are opting for a home preschool program. There are many reasons to home school your child but it is important to follow some basic guidelines to have success.
Sure, you love your children unconditionally, but is it in your disposition to patiently repeat the days of the week umpteen times before he gets it? Some parents decide to home school their preschoolers for various reasons such as transportation issues, cost if the preschool is not free, more than one child whose timings clash and so on. However, before you transform your kitchen table in to a school, here are a few questions you should ask yourself. Are you as patient as a professional teacher? Are you choosing to home school preschool for your own convenience or is it out of necessity? The basics, such as sensory stimulus, recognition of shape and color, numbers, adding, subtracting, matching, and predicting, can still be taught though normal day to day life chores.
The first impression stays long with children, and the way they perceive learning in their preschool days would impact their outlook and receptiveness to learning throughout their lives. So it is very important to have a lesson plan and activity curriculum. Children need a routine and consistency.
Children look forward to learning when it is presented in a fun and exciting way. Especially in the preschool years. It is important to hold their attention to ensure that they are absorbing most or all of the new knowledge that is being offered to them. An alphabet a week is a popular way of teaching a single letter of the alphabet in different ways.Repetition of the same letter repeated throughout the week in songs, stories and activities makes it easier for the child to grasp. Everyone agrees that children love learning through activities.
Children are easy to please, you just have to make sure that you are satisfied with the overall arrangement of things. Socialization is a very important part of the learning years so make sure your decision to home preschool your child includes appropriate activities with other children. Arrange parties and field trips with like minded parents. You may even want to have a special “field trip” day once a week that includes other children.
It is important to hold the attention of the preschoolers to ensure that they are absorbing most or all of the new knowledge that is being offered to them. It is easy for them to drift a little when at home in their own environment. You may want to consider making a part of a room a classroom that is just for school time. This way it is special, when the child is there is will be different than just being at home.
If home preschool is your choice, keep looking for fresh ideas so it is always exciting and your child will be eager for the special time with you.
For more information about preschool activities, please visit us at
Home Preschool
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September 2nd, 2008 by admin in Home School
Online homeschool programs are an excellent method in ensuring your children are learning what they need to know. I know the purpose of home schooling is to place your values into the hands of our children. We also like to teach our children what we believe they should know. But, sometimes we may need a little help. Online home school programs can accomplish this.
What can you expect from an online home school program?
1. A well thought out and tried curriculum. This is not the same as taught in the public school systems. While you will always cover the main subjects, such as Language Arts, Math, History and Geography, and Science, you also have the Bible as a part of the core lesson plan. And, you can choose electives. So, if there is something you would like to teach your child, you can choose something from here. The electives can be anything from college prep courses to history on any of the 50 states.
2. CD-ROM and software training. You can download all of the software needed for the education. You can make backups of your work, and also allow for projects. The program will actually ask you if you want to make a backup of your work. Always answer yes. Another training method is to have your child do the presentation orally, which will also help them in their home school.
3. You can also customize the lesson plan according to what your child needs, or how they learn better. That is one of the many pluses of home schooling. You can base the curriculum around the needs of your child.
Do not struggle with your home schooling program. And, do not think you can not do it. There are excellent companies out there offering an online homeschool program which can help you and your family.
Michael Baker is a homeschool parent. Visit http://www.homeschool-facts.com to get a free catalog.
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