It’s that time of year again where we can take a break from our homeschool activities.Of course, homeschooling never really ends (I always like to think about it as a state of mind rather than a formal schedule of sorts).Regardless of how you think about homeschooling, I’ve decided to update one of our own articles, which happens to be one of our most popular. I’m referring to ProntoLessons’ top 10 summer reading programs of 2010.Just like last year, I surfed the ‘Net to find only the most flexible and highest rewarding programs that apply to as most of our readers as possible. I’ve listed this programs out below and I also placed the enroll links here, in essence, making this article your one-stop shop to apply for the best reading programs for 2010. ....read more
You knocked yourself out helping the children with their home lessons, getting to and from the afterschool soccer game and getting dinner on the table for the hungry gang. Your little one is fussy, rubbing her eyes and ready for bed. Big brother is giving you a hard time about brushing his teeth. With a sigh, you are wondering “When am I going to get a little ‘Thank you’?”
Cultivating gratitude is the theme for this month’s health literacy article. A growing body of research over the past 10 years has expanded the science of gratitude, with many fascinating findings. For example, the simple act of saying thank you can transform your health. Sleeping better, feeling happier and generally being healthier are all benefits of doing simple acts that cultivate gratitude....read more
Equal Opportunity Homeschooling by Suzanne Wielgos
Imagine this scenario: your local public school announces that it will not enroll girls in its science classes because, really, they are most likely never going to use that information as adults.
Huh? The uproar would be deafening!
As homeschoolers, we are so lucky to be able to expose our boys and girls to a rainbow of subjects without traditional limitations. And without the conventional peer pressure that they can encounter in a large group setting, our girls can feel confident to shine in math and our boys can be proud of their baking skills....read more
Using Technology to Engage Students
by Bruce Friend
My job allows me to travel around the country visiting different schools and speaking to teachers, students, and parents about their use of technology for educational purposes.
The “technology” I see being utilized as part of instruction in traditional brick and mortar classrooms amounts to little more than the chalkboard being replaced by a PowerPoint presentation. PowerPoint for classroom teaching can be useful but it exemplifies that classrooms are doing little more then scratching the surface of what is possible by taking advantage of technology. If we are just scratching the surface, our children will not be competitive in the 21st century’s global economy.
A recent meeting I had with a group of 18 middle school students on a career day was telling. I asked them the standard “what is your favorite class” question that seems to be a staple of such events.....read more
The Story Must Win the Heart
by Daniel Yordy, M.Ed.
Project led learning compels reading – the personal pursuit of knowledge. My pumpkins need what fertilizer? I should get which parts for building my own computer? How can I take fantastic pictures? But rather than be handed an assigned textbook with “all the answers,” the child must sift through a range of information, how-to books, websites, manuals, draw out what is useful for the present moment, and ignore the rest.
This is called research and it is how we actually learn.
But what about reading for the sake of reading? What about literature? ...read more back to top
Time for a Garden Party byYvette Garfield
If you are looking for a fun summertime kids activity, start your own eatable garden. Begin with a vegetable garden, as they grow quickly and encourage your kids to try new foods.
What to do:
1) Discuss what you and children want to grow. Pick a few different veggies so your garden will be colorful and delicious.
2) Take a field trip to the local gardening store to pick out your seeds and supplies. Also, a cute gardening hat can transform any child into an amazing gardener....read more
Multisensory Activities and Games to Keep Kids Learning During the Summer Months
by Sarah Major, M.Ed
I'm all for outside play and relaxation in the summertime! But it's hard to ignore everything that's said about how if you don’t use it, you lose it! As a parent and teacher, I have seen firsthand the blank looks on those rested-up faces as kids came back to school in the fall, and I expected them to pick up where we left off in the spring. But play is vital, and I'd be the first to encourage kids to play hard all summer long. So rather than missing out on the vigorous exercise kids desperately need, let’s shut off the TV and other electronics and go outside to keep building those vital brain connections. This summer, let’s keep the learning going, and how about making it fun at the same time?
Financing College – Understand FAFSA and PROFILE
by Elizabeth Hartley
Planning for college can be exciting and stressful.While students are fretting over applications and transcripts, parents are worried about how to pay for it all.College tuition has increased 429% over the last 20 years, making funding a college education one of the biggest expenses in a parent’s life.One year at a large state school in SC, such as Clemson, will cost around $17,000, while a year at a SC private college, such as Furman, will cost about $45,000.However, if parents know how and where to find financial aid, grants and scholarships, college can become a much more affordable prospect.
According to the College Board, there is over $168 billion available in student aid every year.FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, and CSS/PROFILE are the two types of applications for aid based on financial need.All colleges will require FAFSA but only some will also require PROFILE.It can be confusing for parents to know when to file one or both.Here's a quick breakdown of both applications and a description of how they may benefit you. ...read more
The History At Our House program is an integrated, rigorous, and exciting history program for students from 2nd to 12th grade. With History At Our House students don't read dry textbooks or audio versions of them. Students either attend live, interactive classes taught by the program's creator, Scott Powell, via conference-calls conducted with students across America, or they download MP3 format recordings of these lectures any day of the week, any time of the day, on-line, using the Internet—perfect for listening to on a portable playes, and even in the car!
TESTIMONIALS
"Thanks again for all that you do to bring history to life for us!"
--Julie N, Maryland
"My son...is so anxious for more that he listens to parts of it again!"
--Rachel B, Oregon
“My daughter has a passion for history, thanks to Mr. Powell."
--Kim M, Connecticut
"When we listen as a family, everyone takes away something important."
--Debra R, New York
"I love having one subject that I can learn along side the kids!"
--Stephanie D, Michigan
"The kids are loving it.... I really like the integration of geography... and art!"
--Cheryl H, Alabama
Little Passports inspires your child to learn about different countries, cultures and languages in a fun and engaging way.
Little Passports is an award-winning global adventure for children aged 6 to 10 years old. Follow our globetrotting characters, Sam and Sofia, as they travel to a new country every month on their magical scooter. Children will delight in receiving monthly packages in the mail from Sam and Sofia containing letters, souvenirs, stickers, activities and access to online games via a “boarding pass” code. Read what parents are saying about Little Passports. iParenting and Parents’ Choice Winner.
