Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Monday, October 7, 2013
Homeschooling As A Single Parent
Recently I read on a message board on Facebook a question by a single mom desperately trying to figure out how to work and get all the subjects properly covered. Her son loves science, but she was feeling that science was taking up too much time and other subjects were suffering because of it.
These were some of my comments:
The love of learning is extremely important and the more you unschool - letting the child delve as deeply as possible into the topics they enjoy - really helps with that. Its not always easy and it often requires help.
I would enlist dad's help if possible in reading some science or suggesting they visit some science museums or something. Dads aren't always up for that type of thing.
Perhaps seeing if he could tag along some days at another homeschool house would also help.
We are heavy into media in my home. My son watches endless science documentaries on netflix, youtube, and other online locations.
I purchased a subscription to Educator.com. It is geared towards high school. I taught him how to use Evernote and open two windows. He watches a documentary in 1 window while taking notes in Evernote in the other. It accomplishes writing, typing, reading, science education, and a whole lot more.
I think typing is something they need to learn early.
A program like Time4Learning is something he could do on his own even when you are not there. I'm sure there are others. All you have to do is teach him how to use it and a great deal of his education could be done without your direct input. I'm sure he is not by himself when you are working, so whomever is taking care of him could be instructed to get him started and assist when necessary in using something like Time4Learning for say an hour each day or one module in 2 or 3 different subjects - however long that might be per day. There are quizzes and you can print out a report of what subjects the student studied and how well they did. So its easy to see if he is actually learning or needs to go back and review some things. We used it through the 4th grade and my son really enjoyed it. After that he lost interest.
One of my friends was in a similar situation. She is a single parent with sole custody and zero interaction with the father. She worked nights. He is very science oriented and she was able to make it work.
Best of luck!
Find out about many other curriculum choices at my homeschool website: http://www.homeschoolsantafe.com.
These were some of my comments:
The love of learning is extremely important and the more you unschool - letting the child delve as deeply as possible into the topics they enjoy - really helps with that. Its not always easy and it often requires help.
I would enlist dad's help if possible in reading some science or suggesting they visit some science museums or something. Dads aren't always up for that type of thing.
Perhaps seeing if he could tag along some days at another homeschool house would also help.
We are heavy into media in my home. My son watches endless science documentaries on netflix, youtube, and other online locations.
I purchased a subscription to Educator.com. It is geared towards high school. I taught him how to use Evernote and open two windows. He watches a documentary in 1 window while taking notes in Evernote in the other. It accomplishes writing, typing, reading, science education, and a whole lot more.
I think typing is something they need to learn early.
A program like Time4Learning is something he could do on his own even when you are not there. I'm sure there are others. All you have to do is teach him how to use it and a great deal of his education could be done without your direct input. I'm sure he is not by himself when you are working, so whomever is taking care of him could be instructed to get him started and assist when necessary in using something like Time4Learning for say an hour each day or one module in 2 or 3 different subjects - however long that might be per day. There are quizzes and you can print out a report of what subjects the student studied and how well they did. So its easy to see if he is actually learning or needs to go back and review some things. We used it through the 4th grade and my son really enjoyed it. After that he lost interest.
One of my friends was in a similar situation. She is a single parent with sole custody and zero interaction with the father. She worked nights. He is very science oriented and she was able to make it work.
Best of luck!
Find out about many other curriculum choices at my homeschool website: http://www.homeschoolsantafe.com.
Sunday, September 1, 2013
Dolphin Parenting
Wow is that me!
I'm one of the dolphin and whale experts scheduled to speak at Cetacean Summit Hawaii 2014 in March on the Big Island. You can find out more about that here: http://cetaceansummit.com/Home_Page.html
I came across this article about parenting like a dolphin and boy does it resonate: http://health.usnews.com/health-news/health-wellness/articles/2013/08/01/dolphin-parenting-raising-kids-to-be-smart-and-happy
Enjoy!
Return from Dolphin Parenting to the Homeschool Resources Online home page
I'm one of the dolphin and whale experts scheduled to speak at Cetacean Summit Hawaii 2014 in March on the Big Island. You can find out more about that here: http://cetaceansummit.com/Home_Page.html
I came across this article about parenting like a dolphin and boy does it resonate: http://health.usnews.com/health-news/health-wellness/articles/2013/08/01/dolphin-parenting-raising-kids-to-be-smart-and-happy
Enjoy!
Return from Dolphin Parenting to the Homeschool Resources Online home page
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Extraordinary Talent and Homeschoolers
Wow - that's all I can say.
My son is now 14 and completely self directed in his educational pursuits. He is dedicated to his academic studies and is very sure of who he is and what he wants.
We began homeschooling from the very start because when he was three someone asked him where he was going to go to school. He looked at the person with all seriousness and said, "My mom is going to teach me." Out of the mouth of babe's I guess. Homeschooling was not something I was familiar with and it certainly wasn't ...
My son is now 14 and completely self directed in his educational pursuits. He is dedicated to his academic studies and is very sure of who he is and what he wants.
We began homeschooling from the very start because when he was three someone asked him where he was going to go to school. He looked at the person with all seriousness and said, "My mom is going to teach me." Out of the mouth of babe's I guess. Homeschooling was not something I was familiar with and it certainly wasn't ...
Friday, August 16, 2013
Free Day at 1,400 Museums and Events on September 28th
Just saw a post by the Smithsonian that on September 28th, 2013, over 1,400 Smithsonian and Smithsonian-related museums and event venues will be free.
Visit this link to find a museum near you: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/museum-search/
Enjoy!
Takara
Visit this link to find a museum near you: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/museum-search/
Enjoy!
Takara
Monday, July 8, 2013
New to Homeschooling and How to Choose the Best Homeschool Curriculum For Your Child
How to choose the best homeschool curriculum for your child can be tricky at first.
Younger kids tend to like Time4learning.com. Its inexpensive and online.
I always went over everything in the books "What Your ________ Grader Needs to Know." You fill in the blank with First, Second, etc. I think they have books through the 6th grade.
There are tons of curriculum choices. You can check out my website: http://www.homeschoolsantafe.I always went over everything in the books "What Your ________ Grader Needs to Know." You fill in the blank with First, Second, etc. I think they have books through the 6th grade.
Homeschool.com has a bunch of freebies listed for the summer. You can find out more about them here: http://www.homeschool.com/ freebie/deals/
Abeka and other similar curricula are decidedly
Christian in nature. If that is the type of education you want for your
child, then I've heard its a good one. There are many other options that
leave religion out, or they talk about all religions, not just one, and
are much more similar to the topics they would receive in public school
and need at the college level. You will find many choices at the links
above.
The beautiful thing about homeschooling is that you can
pick and choose the method and format that works best for each child.
What works well with one is completely wrong for another. Only you know
your child. If you are like me, and many of the other homeschool parents
I've talked to over the past 9 years of homeschooling, at first it is a
trial and error thing. You try something and see how it goes. Does your
child learn better by reading, watching, listening, or doing? Are they
highly tactile, needing to hold things and act things out? I highly
recommend that you not go out and spend tons of money on a curriculum
that may not work until you have discovered the methods and rhythm of
your child.
Our education has changed immensely over the years. Time4Learning was wonderful for us for the first 4 years, then it was no longer the right choice. Somewhere around the 6th grade, my son decided on his main area of interest and what we have done to make sure he is ready when he gets to college has shifted a lot because of it. We use a combination of tutors, online programs, books, and live classes. So we don't get one of those out of the box, covers every subject, type of systems. That would really not work for us.
Best of luck,Our education has changed immensely over the years. Time4Learning was wonderful for us for the first 4 years, then it was no longer the right choice. Somewhere around the 6th grade, my son decided on his main area of interest and what we have done to make sure he is ready when he gets to college has shifted a lot because of it. We use a combination of tutors, online programs, books, and live classes. So we don't get one of those out of the box, covers every subject, type of systems. That would really not work for us.
Takara
Friday, June 21, 2013
Nature Works Everywhere - Another Great Science Homeschool Resource
From Nature Conservancy:
http://www.natureworkseverywhere.org/
They offer lesson plans and videos for 6th through 8th grade.
What I have previewed looks quite good.
Enjoy,
Takara
http://www.natureworkseverywhere.org/
They offer lesson plans and videos for 6th through 8th grade.
What I have previewed looks quite good.
Enjoy,
Takara
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Summer Homeschool Free Resources and Other Freebies
From www.Homeschool.com:
Many freebies are listed on the freebie page right now--and more are added every day.
Just some of the freebies include--
Many freebies are listed on the freebie page right now--and more are added every day.
Just some of the freebies include--
- Free copies of Homeschool.com's popular book "Homeschooling & Loving It!"
- Free copies of Homeschool.com's "Getting Started Bootcamp"
- Free Homeschool.com Alexa Tool Bar
- Free $5 gift card to Educents.com
- Free courses from HomeschoolProgramming.com
- Free writing lessons and information from The Writing Course
- Free year-long subscription to KidsEmail.org
- Free 30 day trial from Reading Kingdom
- Free e-books from Reading Kingdom
- Free Growing with Grammar curriculum
- Free summer learning kits from ThinkStretch
- Free summer reading lists and activities from ThinkStretch
- Free one year World Book Reading Web subscription
- Family registration to a Great Homeschool Convention
- Fun and educational freebies from TheReadingGame.com
- Free Winning with Writing curriculum
- One year subscription to My Kids Browser
- Free 15-Day Trial to eTap
- Free DVD sampler from VideoText Interactive Math
- Free 30-Day Trial to NetSupport School
- Free Soaring with Spelling curriculum
- Freebies offered by EdgeinCollegePrep.com
- Free copies of "Math Facts Made Easy: Learn Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication and Division in HALF the Time!" from HowToLearn.com
- Copies of "Amazing Grades" from HowToLearn.com
- Freebies offered by Ombudsman Press, Inc
- Free online World Book encyclopedias
- Free one year membership--Center for Homeschool Liberty
- Freebies from CollegeStartOnline.com
- Free Deluxe Home Sets from Hands-On Equations
- Deluxe Home Set Free year subscription, World Book Reading Web
- Free Grammar Resource Kit from Sadlier.com
- Free e-Book, English Spelling by Barbara Beers and The Phonics Road
- Free Phonics Resource Kit from Sadlier.com
- Fun and educational freebies from Little Passports
- Free Reading Activity Bundle from All About Reading
- Numerous downloads from Enlightened Kid
- Educational freebies from Standard Deviants Learning
- Free 90 day trial from KidsEmail.org
- Free Vocabulary Resource Kit from Sadlier.com
- Free one month subscription from enJoyMoviesYourWay.com
- MANY homeschooling hints
- Many travel guides/hints
- Plus, all our blog entries are geared towards the topic of summer fun--with many guest posts.
History.com Events this Summer and Fall
I recently got this notification from History Classroom at History.com.
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If you are not yet a subscriber to History.com email, all you have to do is visit this link to be added: http://www.history.com/shows/classroom You can sign up for the newsletter in the left navigation bar on that page.
Have a great day,
Takara
~~~ BEGIN MESSAGE ~~~
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Best Regards, | |||||||||||||||||
Libby
O'Connell, Ph.D. Chief Historian SVP, Corporate Outreach HISTORY |
If you are not yet a subscriber to History.com email, all you have to do is visit this link to be added: http://www.history.com/shows/classroom You can sign up for the newsletter in the left navigation bar on that page.
Have a great day,
Takara
Monday, April 8, 2013
Super Sale at Scholastic
Scholastic just sent out a flyer for 75% off in their teacher store:
http://shop.scholastic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/en/teacherstore/nav/shops/Super+Clearance+Catalog/4294352162?eml=TSO/e/20130408////Clearance//ShopTout/RET//&ym_MID=1473089&ym_rid=16148800
Books for all grades.
Enjoy!
Takara
http://www.homeschoolsantafe.com
http://shop.scholastic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/en/teacherstore/nav/shops/Super+Clearance+Catalog/4294352162?eml=TSO/e/20130408////Clearance//ShopTout/RET//&ym_MID=1473089&ym_rid=16148800
Books for all grades.
Enjoy!
Takara
http://www.homeschoolsantafe.com
Saturday, March 30, 2013
Free Mythology Books for Kindle
Just came across this list - thanks to a friend on Facebook.
http://www.examiner.com/article/21-world-mythology-books-that-are-free-for-the-kindle
There are so many more books available for free download online. Visit this page on my blog for a list of sites with millions of free books to download: http://www.homeschoolsantafe.com/Homeschool-Resources.htm
Have a fabulous day,
Takara
http://www.examiner.com/article/21-world-mythology-books-that-are-free-for-the-kindle
There are so many more books available for free download online. Visit this page on my blog for a list of sites with millions of free books to download: http://www.homeschoolsantafe.com/Homeschool-Resources.htm
Have a fabulous day,
Takara
Saturday, March 9, 2013
The Self Directed Homeschooler
This post is meant as an encouragement for anyone who has a younger homeschooled son or daughter who doesn't want to learn or resists doing lessons.
My son, Jess, is now 14. He is an only child and we have always homeschooled - first in New Mexico and now in Virginia. I'm divorced. He lives with me.
If you've ever read my article about homeschooling (its on the home page of my homeschool website), you have read that Stanford and several other top schools actively recruit homeschool students because they have maturity, self-reliance, and self direction that is hard to find in publicly educated students.
I used to read those words and compare it with what we were experiencing at home. It was like pulling teeth to get him to study. "Doing" school was really a struggle and certain subjects caused so much tension and stress for both of us that we ended up having to get a tutor. I literally thought my kid just didn't fit the "norm" of the self-directed homeschooler. I love him and felt obliged to accept him the way he is - even if that meant he was not very self directed or driven to succeed. Since I'm extremely driven, it wasn't always easy.
My son, Jess, is now 14. He is an only child and we have always homeschooled - first in New Mexico and now in Virginia. I'm divorced. He lives with me.
If you've ever read my article about homeschooling (its on the home page of my homeschool website), you have read that Stanford and several other top schools actively recruit homeschool students because they have maturity, self-reliance, and self direction that is hard to find in publicly educated students.
I used to read those words and compare it with what we were experiencing at home. It was like pulling teeth to get him to study. "Doing" school was really a struggle and certain subjects caused so much tension and stress for both of us that we ended up having to get a tutor. I literally thought my kid just didn't fit the "norm" of the self-directed homeschooler. I love him and felt obliged to accept him the way he is - even if that meant he was not very self directed or driven to succeed. Since I'm extremely driven, it wasn't always easy.
Then
I took him to Fiji and we lived aboard a yacht for 6 weeks. He was
given crewing duties and was expected to do the work asked of him. He
was only 11 and I was very proud of how he completed his tasks and took
to sea life. While on the trip, he was introduced to the show, The Big
Bang Theory, and the topic of physics. He became almost obsessed with
the subject.
He has now decided that he wants to be a physicist and for
the last year and a half or so, he has been completely self directed. He
has taken up studying Latin completely on his own, as well as high
school chemistry and biology. He reads books about physics and watches
tons of science documentaries. He assigns himself lessons and spends
hours each day completing them.
The change I have seen in my son borders on the miraculous. I don't think you have to take them to an island or to live on a boat. I think you just have to expose them to enough things that they can find the one that turns on the light and makes them excited to learn.
The change I have seen in my son borders on the miraculous. I don't think you have to take them to an island or to live on a boat. I think you just have to expose them to enough things that they can find the one that turns on the light and makes them excited to learn.
I feel the greatest things we can give our
children is love, appreciation, assistance with high self esteem, and
help in discovering their gifts and interests. Then it seems we can just
get out of the way and let them shine - whether its as an artist or an
astronaut.
Have a fabulous day,
Takara
Bestselling author of Peering Through the Veil: The Step by Step Guide to Meditation and Inner Peace
Friday, March 8, 2013
Women's History Month from the History Channel
This just in from the History Channel also for Women's History Month
Women's History Month Programming:
Mothers of Invention
Monday, March 11th, at 6am/5c
Mothers of Invention explores the role of female innovators in American society. Despite many barriers, including unequal access to the education system and the patent process, women designed and helped produce a wide range of items, from refrigerated rail-cars to cosmetics to rocket devices.
You will also find valuable background information and video clips at the BIO Women's History site, located online at http://www.biography.com/ womens-history/index.jsp.
View a timeline of women's history.
Women's History Month Programming:
Mothers of Invention
Monday, March 11th, at 6am/5c
Mothers of Invention explores the role of female innovators in American society. Despite many barriers, including unequal access to the education system and the patent process, women designed and helped produce a wide range of items, from refrigerated rail-cars to cosmetics to rocket devices.
You will also find valuable background information and video clips at the BIO Women's History site, located online at http://www.biography.com/
View a timeline of women's history.
Women's History Month on Biography Channel
Just got this link from the Biography channel. Has some nice videos to commemorate Women's Day - today.
Enjoy http://www.biography.com/ people/groups/ womens-history?et_cid=52434996& et_rid=892006151&linkid=http%3 A%2F%2Fwww.biography.com%2Fpeo ple%2Fgroups%2Fwomens-history
Friday, January 4, 2013
Learn all about U.S. Presidents
I just got this by email from the History Channel. Thought you would appreciate knowing about this great resource.
The Ultimate Guide to the Presidents
Tuesday, January 15th, through Friday, January 18th, at 9/8c (4 parts)
The office of President of the United States is one of the hallmarks of the American experiment. Those who have served in the nation's highest office have been from different personal and political backgrounds, with vastly differing philosophies and personalities. The Ultimate Guide to the Presidents explores the lives, decisions and unique contributions of the men who have served as U.S. President, from George Washington to Barack Obama.
Organized chronologically, The Ultimate Guide to the Presidents is an engaging eight-hour series that looks at each leader and the challenges, expectations, and responsibilities they faced. With commentary from historians and unique visuals, this series is a journey into the heart of the American political system told through the prism of the nation's foremost leaders. Students will see how each individual president has shaped the executive office and will gain insights into the ways leadership has changed those who have held this prestigious position of power.
Curriculum Links:
The Ultimate Guide to the Presidents would be a good fit with American history, politics, civics, and government courses. It is appropriate for eighth-grade students and above. Teachers may want to use specific segments of this program to align with their course units and lectures on particular eras of U.S. history.
Read more about the U.S. Presidents.
Watch a short video about Presidential Fun Facts.
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