Showing posts with label newbie advice. Show all posts
Showing posts with label newbie advice. Show all posts

Monday, March 20, 2017

Upcoming Catholic Homeschool Conferences in PA, MD & VA


Whether you need refreshment or you are new to homeschooling, you will find encouragement at an IHM conference.

In April, a conference of wonderful, Catholic speakers will be in Blue Bell, Pa and in May, the conference will be in Maryland. All the conferences are FREE.

http://www.ihmconference.org/philadelphia/
http://www.ihmconference.org/maryland/



I highly recommend traveling to the National Conference in Virginia this June, where you'll see such a turnout of Catholic homeschoolers and well-known speakers and a marketplace for all your needs.

On Facebook?  Get updates and info HERE.





Saturday, July 6, 2013

Homeschool Style Quiz & Curriculum Predictor

Take the QUIZ and let me know, in comments, if you think it predicts your style accurately.


Homeschooling Style Quiz: (by Dr. Chen - see below)
Use the following scale in answering the questions. Be sure to circle the number that corresponds with your answer.
1 2 3 4 5 6
That’s not me at all Rarely true, only 20% of the time Occasionally true, about 40% of time Often true, about 60% of time Usually true, about 80% of time Almost always true

Group 1A questions
I look forward to homeschooling 1 2 3 4 5 6
My husband wants me to homeschool 1 2 3 4 5 6
I love to study and learn new things 1 2 3 4 5 6
I enjoy reading aloud to my children every day 1 2 3 4 5 6
I find myself naturally explaining things to the children 1 2 3 4 5 6
I’m in the middle of reading a book (romance novels excluded) right now. 1 2 3 4 5 6
Average (total divided by 6) for 1A=______________

Group 1B questions
There is a show or movie on TV that I want to watch almost every night 1 2 3 4 5 6
I spend an hour or more each day visiting friends or chatting on the phone 1 2 3 4 5 6
My husband wants me to homeschool, but I dread it. 1 2 3 4 5 6
I can’t find time to read. 1 2 3 4 5 6
It’s very hard to find time to play with or read to the children. 1 2 3 4 5 6
I often feel guilty about not getting enough accomplished. . 1 2 3 4 5 6
Average (total divided by 6) for 1B=______________

Group 2A questions
The inside of my kitchen cupboards are clean and organized . 1 2 3 4 5 6
We all make our beds, put away our clothes and do our chores without a lot of problem . 1 2 3 4 5 6
I rarely misplace things. 1 2 3 4 5 6
I enjoy paying the bills, planning the details of a trip or organizing an activity . 1 2 3 4 5 6
The books in our personal library are categorized so that I can easily find them 1 2 3 4 5 6
The inside of our refrigerator is clean. . 1 2 3 4 5 6
Average (total divided by 6) for 2A=______________

Group 2B questions
Usually there is laundry to be done and piles around that need to be folded . 1 2 3 4 5 6
I have a hard time getting my children to do chores . 1 2 3 4 5 6
I want to teach my children but there are so many choices that I don’t know where to begin . 1 2 3 4 5 6
When my children ask me where something is it takes a long time for us to find it . 1 2 3 4 5 6
I don’t know what we will be having for dinner until it’s time to cook the meal. 1 2 3 4 5 6
I procrastinate a lot. 1 2 3 4 5 6
Average (total divided by 6) for 2B=______________

Group 3A questions
I like to plan things down to the last detail 1 2 3 4 5 6
I like doing craft activities or taking trips to the zoo or library with the children 1 2 3 4 5 6
I think a great way to learn is curled up on the couch with a book 1 2 3 4 5 6
I would let my children do their schoolwork on the floor if they wanted to 1 2 3 4 5 6
Kids can learn more about nature by walking around outside than they can from a book 1 2 3 4 5 6
I hated my textbooks and workbooks when I was in school 1 2 3 4 5 6
Average (total divided by 6) for 3A=______________

Group 3B questions
I like the idea of my children sitting at desks quietly working 1 2 3 4 5 6
It’s important for me to know what and how to teach my children each step of the way 1 2 3 4 5 6
I’m afraid my kids will have "gaps" in their education 1 2 3 4 5 6
I want my children to be at the same place in their subjects as the children in school 1 2 3 4 5 6
I like the idea of having just one book for each subject 1 2 3 4 5 6
I worry that I won’t be able to teach my children what they need to know. 1 2 3 4 5 6
Average (total divided by 6) for 3B=______________


Analyzing the Results:

The average from 1B, 2B and 3B must be reversed in order to analyze the results of this test.
6 becomes 1
5 becomes 2
4 becomes 3
3 becomes 4
2 becomes 5
1 becomes 6

After you have reversed the score for those 3 groups take a final total. Your total score should be between 6 and 36.
What your total score indicates:

6-12 total strongly suggests that you should use a homeschool program such as the Angelicum Academy or Seton HomeStudy. [I'd imagine that would apply to Our Lady of Victory, as well..maybe Kolbe, too. ]

13-18 total suggests you should use a program, but that you could add or change a small part of the program without a problem.

19-24 total indicates you would be comfortable using some type of lesson plan system that you can modify to suit your needs. Good options might be the lesson plans from Catholic Heritage Curriculum or syllabi offered by Mother of Divine Grace or SaintThomas Aquinas Academy. [Could Kolbe fit in here, too, as it also allows modifications?]

(BINGO!  This is where my test puts me.  But, I *feel* that I meet the description of 13-18 as I do use a program - MODG- but enjoy its flexibility to add in Seton, OLVS ,CHC books and other resources suggested by my mentor, Paola of EmmanuelBooks.)

25-30 total suggests you could develop your own lesson plans, but would need support and guidance which could be found in DesigningYour Own Classical Curriculum or the suggested curricula at Catholic Heritage Curriculum.  It would also be helpful for you to examine lesson plans that others have written before creating your own. [ Consider, MaterAmabilis, I would think.]

30-36 total strongly suggests you would have no problem creating your children’s educational program.

If your score "doesn't make sense" go back and recalculate making sure that you reversed the appropriate scores  as directed at the top of the page.

Quiz designed by Andrea Chen, Catholic Homeschool Mom of six, director of Mercy Academy Homeschool Program (http://www.mercyacademy.net), with a Phd. in Psychology.

It was put together based on her experience and knowledge of tests, measurement and homeschooling. This questionnaire has been tested on over 100 homeschooling mothers and found to be valid.

Do you agree?


Friday, May 17, 2013

Catholic Homeschooling Facebook Groups

Get connected to other Catholic homeschoolers on Facebook. There are a variety of groups.



I am seeing much more activity in the Catholic homeschool Facebook groups than I am seeing in the yahoogroup emails. If you are looking for support and Catholic homeschool info please consider these links to active groups. These communities are helpful and connect us to others like us across the map. 

+ Catholic Homeschool Moms https://www.facebook.com/groups/24164460379/ over 1,000 members

+ Catholic Homeschoolers of NorthEast (PA, NJ,DE,MD)https://www.facebook.com/groups/115513477358/ over 70

* Homeschool Delaware https://www.facebook.com/groups/118853418201199/ over 360 (secular)

+ MODG Moms https://www.facebook.com/groups/29412108736/ almost 200

+ Mater Amabalis(for Catholic Charlotte Mason approach) https://www.facebook.com/groups/materamabilis/ almost 200


+ Catholic Homeschooling Resources https://www.facebook.com/pages/Catholic-Homeschooling-Resources/137231707453 almost 700

+ Totus Tuus Family & Catholic Homeschool FB page https://www.facebook.com/pages/Totus-Tuus-Family-Catholic-Homeschool/285307812834?fref=ts over 700


Friday, June 15, 2012

IHM National Catholic Homeschool & Parenting Conference 2012


IHM CONFERENCE NEXT FRIDAY AND SATURDAY!

This conference is an opportunity to hear dynamic and well-known Catholic speakers and be surrounded by those who love the Catholic faith! It's also great Catholic shopping...all under one roof.


Every year I am excited to be surrounded by so many who share my goals and to also find motivation to stay the course. 


I am hoping to tweet from the conferences using the #Hashtag  #IHMVA12 .



Oh...and did I mention it's FREE?


THE EVENT: The Eleventh Annual Immaculate Heart of Mary National Homeschool and Parent Conference

WHEN: Friday and Saturday, June 22nd and 23rd, 2012 (Friday, June 22nd from 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.) (Saturday, June 23rd from 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.)

NEW LOCATION! WHERE: Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center 2371 Carl D. Silver Pkwy. Fredericksburg, VA 22401

WHO IS INVITED: All adults, not just homeschooling families. All religious are especially welcome. We love children, but must restrict attendance to young adults (13+) and nursing babies only. 

SPEAKERS: Over 20 speakers, many nationally known!
Speaker BiosSchedule of talks/description of topics - Teen Program & College Fair

VENDORS: Many Catholic vendors invited! Please note vendor area opens at NOON Friday and will stay open throughout the conference. http://www.ihmconference.org/national/vendors/ 

FEATURES: Rosary, Family Consecration, Scapular Enrollment and Confessions! NO PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED! ADMISSION IS FREE!! PARKING: FREE and CONVENIENT!! CONTACT: Please email info@ihmconference.org or call 540-636-1946.

WEBSITE: www.ihmconference.org for additional conference information, including complete vendor listing, driving directions, hotel accommodations, speaker schedule, etc.

TAPES: All talks will be available for purchase. Orders for CDs and MP3s will be taken at the conference and shipped afterwards.

USED BOOK SALE! Here's your chance to pick up great deals on used books! We are bringing almost twice as many used books as we have had in the past..about 4,000 books! Hope to see you there! Please spread the word. Thanks and God bless!

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Catholic Homeschool Co-Op in Delaware

"Agnus Dei is a Home School Co-operative for children in kindergarten through twelfth grade, located at Holy Spirit Church in New Castle, Delaware.  


Agnus Dei was formed to equip families with the support and resources necessary to provide students with a Catholic, Ignatian, and classical home-based education.   


The curriculum is developed by Kolbe Academy, a nationally recognized Catholic home school program.   Recognizing the benefits of home education, Agnus Dei seeks to provide supplementary academic assistance by meeting twice a week for instruction and academic planning.  Parents work together, combining effort and personal skills for the spiritual, academic, and social benefit of their children.  


As taught by the Church, we recognize parents as the primary educators of their children.


For more information, see their website - http://www.agnusdeihomeschool.org/

Friday, February 17, 2012

March 3rd, Emmanuel Books Classical Homeschooling Book Fair


Save the date!
Please share with local homeschoolers, Classical book lovers and those who may be thinking of homeschooling. 

 EmmanuelBooks.com will be having a book fair and sale at Holy Spirit/Delaware gym on March 3rd, after First Saturday Mass until 1pm. 

It's great to have the opportunity to open the books and hear Paola speak. She's a wealth of information!
More details to come....

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Links of Interest to Homeschoolers

The Poll at the top of the blog asked what you request in future posts. You requested homeschooling resources and I am listening.

I've gone through all of my computer files to find the links I used and favorited over the last 5+ years. There are a lot of great websites for homeschoolers and I've tried to organize them below. (With so much cutting and pasting, the formatting is all off, please forgive.)

Visual learning, I have always been drawn to that modality and my children seem to be as well. I see these links and videos as another way to layer information into their minds. They enjoy the change of pace when they see I've assigned some computer time for their day. I hope you find the time to check these out. The magnitude and quality of these resources is overwhelming! Never been a better time to homeschool!

It occurs to me that a clever mom could craft a nearly free homeschool curriculum out of this list. And...it is not an exhaustive list. There's MORE out there! Did I miss one you really recommend? Put it in the comments! Let's make this list as extensive a resource as possible.

Some of the sites will be familiar to you, some new and, as noted, certainly some missing. I hope the missing ones are your well-known blogs and links,that you already have bookmarked and that here you find something new to delight and inspire you. Back to school time is approaching, may these resources encourage and invigorate you!

So, here's my opus, friends. Now I've really gotta get up and walk around a little.

*SITES THAT COVER ALL CLASS SUBJECTS*
http://charlottemason.tripod.com/ - MacBeth's recommendations
Learning videos http://www.neok12.com/
More daily everything http://www.softschools.com/ (9th MODG sci)
http://www.factmonster.com/ is for everything, too!

*BLOGS & HOMESCHOOLING WEBSITES*
http://barbarafrankonline.com/ - homeschooler of 20 years
there are many, many more....

*ONLINE CLASSES TO WATCH and/or LISTEN TO*
Annenberg Art Appreciation Class http://learner.org/resources/series1.html

*MEDIA REVIEWERS*

*ON CHARACTER*

*READING RECOMMENDATIONS/BOOK LISTS*

*ON THE TOPIC OF HOMESCHOOLING*

*MATH*
much Math help can be found at the general sites at top of list

*GRAMMAR-SPELLING-LANGUAGE ARTS*
Daily Grammar Lessons http://www.dailygrammar.com/archive.html and
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/601/01/
http://www.thatresourcesite.com/worksheets/copywork_worksheets_for_homeschoolers.htm Guide to Grammar and Writing
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar

For Elementary age spelling http://www.spellingcity.com/

Writing helps http://teacher.scholastic.com/lessonplans/unit_exposwriting_expository_outline.pdf

Thesis Builder - http://www.ozline.com/electraguide/thesis.php

Spelling Rules http://www.dyslexia.org/spelling_rules.shtml

200 Most Commonly MisspelledWords http://grammar.about.com/od/words/a/misspelled200.htm


*MAPS/GEOGRAPHY*

http://www.audiomemory.com/ - we luv the States and Capitals DVD

Atlas of Classical History
Europe map for MODG 8th http://www.brown.edu/Departments/Italian_Studies/dweb/images/maps/decworld/EuropeLateMA.gif
Ancient Persia http://members.ozemail.com.au/~ancientpersia/images/empire.gif andhttp://members.ozemail.com.au/~ancientpersia/images/persia_shepherd.gif
Ancient Greece http://www.unc.edu/awmc/awmcmap3.html andhttp://www.unc.edu/awmc/mapsforstudents.html
Map of Roman Empire http://www.unrv.com/roman-empire-map.php
Maps of Paul's Missionary Journeys http://www.ccel.org/bible/phillips/CN092MAPS1.htm andhttp://gbgm-umc.org/umw/corinthians/maps.stm
Europe, maps thru the ages http://www.euratlas.net/history/europe/index.html
http://www.yourchildlearns.com/geography.htm

and map gameshttp://www.maps.com/FunFacts.aspx?nav=FF#
States & Capital Games - http://www.funbrain.com/cgi-bin/wh.cgi?1=s&A15=usa&A2=0&Submit=Show+Me+The+Maps!
http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/states_experiment_drag-drop_Intermed_State15s_500.html
http://www.lizardpoint.com/fun/geoquiz/usaquiz.html


*BOOKS TO READ ONLINE *

http://etc.usf.edu/lit2go/title/titles.html andhttp://books.google.com/books?id=lbEqAAAAYAAJ&dq=trailblazer+of+the+seas&source=gbs_navlinks_s (9th grade MODG)

http://books.google.com/books?id=3MIAAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA4&output=html - Online Catholic Reader

MORE Catholic readers here, http://freehomeschoolinglibrar.blogspot.com/search/label/Catholic%20Readers

*AUDIO BOOKS*

http://www.myaudioschool.com/
https://catalog.librivox.org/people_public.php?peopleid=19
http://www.artsreformation.com/talespinners/
http://www.gutenberg.org/browse/categories/1
http://www.freeclassicaudiobooks.com/
http://www.learnoutloud.com/Free-Audio-Video/History
http://www.readingwell.com/audio.html
http://etc.usf.edu/lit2go/
http://www.naxosaudiobooks.com/juniorclassics.htm


*SCIENCE*

http://catholicscience.com/
http://hedgeschool.homestead.com/sciencereads.html - Science reading recommendations aligned with Catholicism
Astronomy picture of the day http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/
Creation vs. evolution http://www.love2learn.net/science/creation.htm

Science Songs - The Elements http://www.learninggamesforkids.com/science_songs/educational_videos_elements_song.html
http://micro.magnet.fsu.edu/primer/java/scienceopticsu/powersof10/index.html
http://www.coolscience.org/CoolScience/KidScientists/TV%20segments/TVsegments.htm
http://www.ptable.com/ - periodic table
http://edheads.org/activities/brain_stimulation/
http://www.exploratorium.edu/
http://ocw.mit.edu/high-school/introductory-mit-courses/
http://www.cellsalive.com/
http://www.innerbody.com/htm/body.html - anatomy
https://www.google.com/bookmarks/l#!threadID=GS1hK7NJn0jI/BDR6uZQoQpZne-_ok Science Interactives
http://sciencehack.com/videos/index
http://www.sciencefriday.com/
http://www.periodicvideos.com/videos/003.htm BEST! Periodic Table of Videos!
http://sciencespot.net/Pages/classroom.html
http://starryskies.com/
http://www.topscience.org/ - MODG
http://www.world-science.net/
http://unityoftruth.blogspot.com/ Catholic Science & Faith Blog
Dissections http://mariemarie0000.free.fr/fichiers/images/frog.swf
http://www.practicalbiology.org/
Heart: http://www.fi.edu/learn/heart/index.html
Muscles:http://yucky.discovery.com/flash/body/pg000123.html - how muscles work
and how many the body has and what they do
Brain: http://www.learner.org/discoveringpsychology/brain/index.html - click on
a lobe to learn about the locations, functions and parts of the brain.
http://www.hhmi.org/senses/ - for older kids who are learning about brain,
specifically geared toward the senses.
Eye: learning about how the eye works and how it can be compared to a camera
~http://www.lensshopper.com/eye-anatomy.asp
More links about the human body~
http://www.innerbody.com/ - basically for advanced science learners or
Highschool Students learning about the systems of the body.
for upper grades here is an interesting game for older students to play to put
their knowledge to use~
http://web.archive.org/web/20021216042826/http://www.medfacts.com/crdiodoc/preappnt.htm
and also this one for sports medicine and using lessons learned about the
anatomy of the body in a fun way~
http://web.archive.org/web/20021014174044/www.medfacts.com/sprtsdoc.htm
http://www.innerbody.com/ is a tour of the human body for middle school students
and up.
http://www.medtropolis.com/VBody.asp this site has been posted about before,
the Virtual Body but is a good reminder.
http://library.thinkquest.org/10348/ - this site is for exploring about the body
for ages 11 and up
All Atoms http://www.allatoms.com/
CHEM4KIDS http://www.chem4kids.com/
Chemistry: Periodic Table and More http://www.chemicool.com/
Chemmybear http://www.chemmybear.com/
CHEMTUTOR http://www.chemtutor.com/
Cool Chemistry - Science Experiments For Kids - Activity TV
http://www.activitytv.com/114-cool-chemistry
General Chemistry Online http://antoine.frostburg.edu/chem/senese/101/index.shtml
High School Chemistry Teachers http://highschoolchemistryteachers.com/
My Chemistry Tutor http://www.mychemistrytutor.com/
Teach yourself Chemistry http://chemistry.about.com/od/chemistry101/a/learnchemistry.htm
The ChemCollective http://www.chemcollective.org/
The Comic Book Periodic Table of the Elements
http://www.uky.edu/Projects/Chemcomics/index.html
Multimedia Chemistry animations
http://www.klte.hu/~lenteg/animate.html
Chemistry Comes Alive!
http://jchemed.chem.wisc.edu/JCESoft/CCA/pirelli/pages/cca1NaIHgCl2.html
Science READS http://www.hoagiesgifted.org/science_sleuths.htm
http://thehappyscientist.com/ - subscribe to video experiments

(Of help to Mother Of Divine Grace students)

Ocean Science (9thMODG) http://www.onr.navy.mil/focus/ocean/motion/default.htm
Geology Rocks (9th MODG) http://geology.com/rocks/ and http://geology.com/teacher/
Earth Science (9th MODG) http://www.mnh.si.edu/earth/main_frames.html
Waves http://oceanworld.tamu.edu/students/waves/index.html
foldedmountains -http://earthsci.org/education/teacher/basicgeol/deform/deform.html and
http://www.physicalgeography.net/fundamentals/10l.html
Land & Sea Breezes http://www.forestencyclopedia.net/p/p405 andhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gM0d3fGew-0

Water cycle - http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&aq=0&oq=water+cycle&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1T4ADFA_enUS341US341&q=water+cycle+diagram and video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWe1BQWGv18

Cloud formation - http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&aq=2&oq=cloud+formation&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1T4ADFA_enUS341US341&q=cloud+formation+process

DUST - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uoHCMGBgIFQ&NR=1

Sound in the Sea http://www.dosits.org/animals/importanceofsound/whyissoundimportant/

and sensory methodshttp://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/blueplanet/infobursts/sense_methods_bg.shtml

Underwater locamotionhttp://wings.avkids.com/Book/Animals/intermediate/marine-01.htmland http://www.xray-mag.com/pdfs/articles/Science_Locomotion_23.pdf

Ocean Floor - http://www.kinderscience.com/ocean_floor_profile.htm Website -http://www.pitara.com/discover/earth/online.asp?story=126 - http://videos.howstuffworks.com/hsw/21953-oceans-understanding-the-ocean-floor-video.htm

Ocean Currents - http://www.5min.com/Video/Learn-about-Ocean-Currents-117529352 Great slides -http://www.pass.leon.k12.fl.us/All%20Books/6a%20MS%20SB%20Unit%206%20135-146.pdf

Weathering & Erosion http://www.savevid.com/video/weathering-and-erosion-the-tag-team.html slide presentations http://www.slideshare.net/Teach5ch/crct-weathering-erosion-and-soil-presentation and http://www.authorstream.com/presentation/mwarner1968-149600-weathering-erosion-earth-science-ch-12-technology-ppt-powerpoint/

CAVE FORMATION http://dsc.discovery.com/videos/earth-the-skinny-on-cave-formations.html and http://video.yahoo.com/watch/1746006/5813008andhttp://www.classzone.com/books/earth_science/terc/content/visualizations/es1405/es1405page01.cfm?chapter_no=14


*HISTORY*

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/ - found interactive Christopher Columbus learning here, but there's so much more, like http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/handsonhistory/

Here's an EnchantedLearning for instance,again Christopher Columbushttp://www.enchantedlearning.com/explorers/page/c/columbus.shtml
http://www.evgschool.org/columbus%27s%20sailing%20ships.htm
http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/kids/games/interactiveadventures/john-smith/

http://www.readingyourwaythroughhistory.com/
http://www.historicalnovels.info/

http://www.mainlesson.com/display.php?author=eggleston&book=great&story=_contents - Stories of Great Americans for little Americans
5th grade History Reading http://www.materamabilis.org/american_reading.html and workbook http://catholictextbookproject.com/purchase/Sea-to_Shining_Sea_Workbook-Chapters1-3_Sample.pdf
http://www.readingwell.com/Audio-Landmark/mp3ss25.htm - Stories your child can listen too! This one on Lewis and Clark's Expedition and there are many others!

Study Guide to Adam of the Road, to help Moms with discussionshttp://www.bookrags.com/content/studyguides/?p=short&u=adam-of-the-road

Civil War book suggestions - http://www.love2learn.net/history/civilwarus/index.html

Uncle Tom's Cabin http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5gLVulWa4s&feature=player_embedded

Helps for Moms, Herodotus The Histories http://books.google.com/books?id=dFo7MPWe9V8C&pg=PA526&dq=histories+salamis&ei=THrXSru6GIWgMuj82dAF#v=onepage&q=histories%20salamis&f=false

Helps Mom discuss Door In The Wall http://www.shvoong.com/books/children-and-youth/1662772-door-wall/

Helps Mom with The Amulet http://www.bookrags.com/wiki/The_Story_of_the_Amulet

Anthony& Cleopatra Help http://www.sparknotes.com/shakespeare/antony/
Antigione Help (10th MODG) http://www.mainlesson.com/display.php?author=church&book=tragedians&story=antigone
Plutarch Help (10th MODG) http://www.mainlesson.com/display.php?author=kaufman&book=plutarch&story=_contents andhttp://www.worldwideschool.org/library/books/hst/ancient/TheBoysandGirlsPlutarch/Chap1.html
Plato's Crito Help - (10th MODG) http://classics.mit.edu/Plato/crito.html

Video on the Battle of Plataea http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHcSPKupxJc

Elementary movies of Early America History http://www.earlyamerica.com/series.html
On this Day in History http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history

11th grade MODG St. Thomas More http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/mod/16Croper-more.asp
http://www.besthistorysites.net/LessonPlans.shtml
http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/
Movies and Literature related to historical timeframes http://www.redshift.com/~bonajo/movies.htm
http://www.vernonjohns.org/snuffy1186/movies.html - historical movies, by year
http://www.abookintime.com/index.html
http://www.schoolhistory.co.uk/diagrams/
Oregon Trail - http://www.learningthroughhistory.com/newsletter/archives/92009.php
Age of Exploration timeline http://www.travelinsurancereview.net/Travel-Facts/exploration-timeline.html (MODG 4)
Explorers Activities + Quizes http://www.mce.k12tn.net/explorers/explorers_start.htm(MODG 4)
Teach History with Movies http://www.teachwithmovies.org/world-history-3.html#46
American Revolution http://library.thinkquest.org/10966/?tqskip=1
http://www.mce.k12tn.net/history/historypages.htm
Ancient Rome activities http://www.mce.k12tn.net/ancient_rome/online_activities.htm


*LITERATURE*

http://www.glencoe.com/sec/literature/litlibrary/ - studying Beowulf this year? Click on B.
Help with C. S Lewis Mere Christianity -http://hope.edu/academic/english/schakel/MCstudy_files/MCstudy.htm andhttp://www.gordy-stith.com/Mere%20Christianity/mere_christianity_study_guide.htm

Shakespeare helps, No Fear Shakespeare - http://nfs.sparknotes.com/

*POETRY*

Destruction of Sennacherib http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CULX5-1GmvY&feature=related
Henry V - Speech - Eve of Saint Crispin's Day
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-yZNMWFqvM
Tomorrow, MacBeth - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LDdyafsR7g and notes on ithttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YGf_goOoDk&feature=related
The Tempest act 5 scene 1-'Ye elves of hills, brooks,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXew1H3abQY
The Lake Isle of Innisfree read by Yeats
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGoaQ433wnw andhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZTZb0GNEoE&feature=related


*RELIGION*

Bible notes http://haydock1859.tripod.com/id49.html
http://www.catholiceducation.org/
http://www.fisheaters.com/forcatholics.html
Apologetics links - http://www.totustuus.com/links.htm
Catholic coloring pages http://www.sjtbre.org/main.cfm?r1=6.00&ID=22&level=1
http://www.dltk-bible.com/advent/index.htm - Advent Coloring Book
http://www.lapbooksforcatholics.com/mercy.html
http://familyfeastandferia.files.wordpress.com/2008/04/rosary-color-book-joyful-mysteries.pdf
Catholic Kids site http://cathkids.ainglkiss.com/

*YOUNGER, ELEMENTARY RESOURCES*
Younger, for reading http://www.starfall.com/
Learning thru the days of the year http://www.universalpreschool.com/learning_calendar/august.asp
Educational games 1st grade - 3rd http://www.learningplanet.com/stu/index.asp?tab=1
Games - http://www.learninggamesforkids.com
http://www.mrcpl.org/literacy/lessons/sight/index.html
Littles, Handwriting :
http://www.atozkidsstuff.com/artrecipes.html
http://www.handwritingworksheets.com/
http://www.homeeducationresources.com/FREEhandwriting.htm
http://www.writingwizard.longcountdown.com/multi-word_handwriting_worksheet_maker.html
http://www.learningpage.com/free_pages/gallery.html
http://www.teachingheart.net/
http://www.worksheetworks.com/english/writing/handwriting/handwriting-cursive-trace.html

Vowels and Silent E's:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LiDMxTBYvVI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R56snVjuqHc&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fb3Pdt8kxg&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o84ndBQU6vQ&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVC9TayQIh8&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EsWtEYF3HCY&feature=related

*ASSESSMENTS/TESTING*

About Studying http://www.studygs.net/attmot4.htm and http://www.studygs.net/ and http://www.ucc.vt.edu/stdyhlp.html and http://www.homeschool.com/articles/TimeManagement/default.asp

SAT - http://www.proprofs.com/sat/ and other testing http://www.internet4classrooms.com/assistance.htm and http://www.redshift.com/~bonajo/maria_links.htm

Learning Styles test http://www.engr.ncsu.edu/learningstyles/ilsweb.html and http://www.ldpride.net/learningstyles.MI.htm

Math Assessment Tests - http://mathassessments.mscenters.org/view_test.php?Mode=Add&GradeLevelID=3

Reading Assessment Tests - http://www.test4free.com/Assessfam.asp

Standardized Test Prep - http://www.mcsdk12.org/curr/standardized_test_preparation.htm and http://www.testtakingtips.com/test/index.htm and http://www.uwgb.edu/tutoring/resources/taking.asp

Grade Level Help http://www.internet4classrooms.com/grade_level_help.htm
By State By Grade Standard http://www.ixl.com/?gclid=CL-Rx8zyxaoCFdZ25QoddBlC0w
http://jeshrall.tripod.com/scopesequenceintr456.htm
Typing and keyboarding games -http://www.learninggamesforkids.com/keyboarding_games.html?utm_source=SpellingCity&utm_medium=Newsletter&utm_campaign=SC%20NL%2028Sep10and http://www.freetypinggame.net/default.asp
http://speedtest.10-fast-fingers.com/
http://www.touch-typing-tutor.com/

*ART*

ART - Getty Museum games http://www.getty.edu/gettygames/

*MISC.*

Video sites for Mom to navigate http://www.tvlesson.com/ and http://search.ovguide.com/?ci=30&q=water+cycle
Homeschool Freebie of the Day http://www.homeschoolfreebie.wholesomechildhood.com/
http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/white-house-101/
Learn a language, FREE, online www.busuu.com

Traditional Catholic Radio - http://dc.ferrelli.cc/TCR/TCR.php
Field Trip - Vatican, http://www.vatican.va/various/basiliche/san_giovanni/vr_tour/index-en.html

Again, please add to the list in comments and I will update. I expect to make lots of updates....

Friday, June 26, 2009

Preparing to Homeschool

Ready…Set…Homeschool!
by Linda Schrock Taylor

It's that time of year again. Parents are worrying and debating, "Should we let the children return to public school for just one more year?" Parents are refiguring budgets and wondering, "Could we drive the old car another year and put the kids in private school?" Parents are reevaluating long-range financial goals to determine which might be put on the back burner until later; so as to homeschool children who are growing up quickly now. Many parents arrive at the decision to homeschool, but then fail to act upon their decision, fearful of taking 'The Giant Step,' as we called it in our home. Do not be fearful. Act. Your children will be all the better for it, and you will never regret your decision.

Too often parents have believed the official state slogan, "You need to be a certified teacher in order to teach." That is nonsense, and one need only look at the failure of the public school system to see how 'well' those thousands of certified, degreed, experienced administrators and teachers have failed America. That system of 'educated professionals' has hurt the American people so severely that millions of individuals, and our nation, may never recover. America now ranks alongside countries long noted for having unskilled workers, low literacy rates, and the destructive effects of illiteracy: poverty; crime; welfare; gangs; illegitimacy; large prison populations; industry and manufacturing moving to countries where literate workers can read orders, blueprints, and manuals for operating high-tech production machinery. Mexican workers have a 90% literacy rate; American workers have about a 70% literacy rate. Eventually, Mexico may have to close its borders against Americans sneaking in to find work.

Certainly loving, committed parents can educate their children better than the State is doing. Children being homeschooled by parents who are focused; who willingly sit and learn with their children; who mediate experiences and information; are far better off than the children in most public schools in America. However, children who are being kept home from school by parents who lack plans, goals, and a commitment to truly educate their children, are better off in school where, hopefully, they will have a few good teachers and come away with something.

Parents do not need to "know everything" in order to homeschool. I have a master's degree and I certainly could not begin to teach my son everything that he needs, and I want for him, to know. Luckily the world is full of books, videos, and websites on every topic. Help is available for those who honestly seek it. Bring your children home, but do it with forethought, planning, and a commitment to provide the best education possible. Homeschooling is hard work, but it is most rewarding.

There are some things that you do need to know as you begin homeschooling: Know Your State Homeschooling Laws; Know Yourself; Know Your Child; Know What you Want Your Child to Learn; Know Your Timeframe; Know That the First Two Years Will Be the Roughest; Know that Reading must be the Number One focus; Know That It Is OK To Be Flexible.

Know the homeschooling laws in your state, and learn as much as possible about homeschooling. As a first step, visit the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) website and learn the laws for your state. If you must file paperwork with the state, call the homeschooling office at your state department of education, and ask to be sent a homeschooling packet. Read it carefully for some states, like Michigan, require that you check a certain box stating that you sincerely believe that your children do not need certified teachers. Otherwise, the state expects that a certified teacher be involved in your homeschooling. Also, do not forget to tap into resources within your circle of family and friends. Maybe a relative is a retired certified teacher and would enjoy teaching some French lessons; a neighbor might be willing to act as consultant and advise on materials and lesson plans. Be innovative in finding help and support. Check for a homeschooling group in your area to join. Some of those groups are so large that they have orchestras and offer courses for the more difficult high school classes.

While at HSLDA, read a variety of articles so you can better understand the rights, and the responsibilities, of homeschooling. When you decide to homeschool, consider joining that association. The knowledge that you have immediate access to lawyers and advice is invaluable and especially reassuring to families as they begin this new venture. As protection against a day when the state might decide to interfere with our homeschooling, we keep every paper; every workbook that David completes. At the end of each school year, I bundle everything into a brown expanding file, label with grade level and year, and store. If I am ever questioned about whether I 'really' provide him with schooling, I can rent a hand truck and wheel the tall stack out for all to see.

Know yourself and your spouse. Communicate with your spouse to assess the commitment, skills and goals of your team. If the mother is strong in language and reading, but feels shaky with the math and science, plan educational schedules so that both parents can participate. No bus will pick your child up at 7:30 AM, and you don't have to run your homeschool as a typical public school day. You may choose to, as an aid to developing structure and accomplishment of goals, but you do not have to 'be in session' from 8:00–3:30. We homeschool four long days, then David has Friday off because he and his father have jobs in the meat department of a small town general store. Sometimes we have English classes on the weekends when I am more available to work with writing assignments. Flexibility is important, even in choosing or discarding materials. If you chose something that simply is not working, chuck it and find something that does; change the schedule; cut or increase the workload. YOU are the teacher, the principal, the superintendent and the school board. You make the decisions. Be flexible as you meet the needs of your children, yourselves and your household.

Know your child, and understand that you know your child better than any other educator. For example, if you know that your child hates early mornings, you adapt for that, plan schooling around it, and maintain an environment conducive to learning. David gets up just about the time that the bus he used to ride passes the house. With book in hand, he eats a leisurely breakfast while reading his literature assignment. After a relaxed beginning to his day, he feels more ready for pencil and paper assignments. You can be flexible and still complete the lessons plans that you wish to accomplish.

For the complete article, click HERE.

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Homeschooling studies just keep getting better and better!

Homeschool Students Score Better Academically and Socially
Basic Statistics


Academically

Home school students scored significantly higher than their public and private school counterparts. The studies below prove homeschool students do exceptionally well when compared with the nationwide average. In every subject and at every grade level of the ITBS and TAP batteries.

Socially

Studies also show homeschoolers mature and better socialized than are those sent to school. Dr. John Wesley Taylor's nationwide study revealed that the self-concept of home school students was significantly higher than that of public school students for the global and all six subscales of the Piers-Harris Self-Concept Scale. The Galloway-Sutton Study (performed in 1997), showed that from five success indicators (academic, cognitive, spiritual, affective-social and pyschomotor), comparing with public and private schooled students, "in every success category except pyschomotor, the home school graduates excelled above the other students."

Cost

The average amount spent on home schooling per child in the US is $450.
Household Income18% of home school families earn less than $25,000,
44% of households between $25,000 and $49,000.
ReligiousOver 75% attend religious services

Links to Studies

Homeschooling Works!Findings of an independent study by Lawrence M. Rudner, Ph.D., Director of the ERIC Clearinghouse on Assessment and Evaluation

Home Education Across the United StatesStudy on home schooling, conducted by Dr. Brian D. Ray, president of the National Home Education Research Institute. (1997)

General Research Fact SheetFrom the non-profit National Home Education Research Institute was founded by Dr. Brian Ray.

Fact Sheet I From the non-profit National Home Education Research Institute was founded by Dr. Brian Ray.

Fact Sheet IIb From the non-profit National Home Education Research Institute was founded by Dr. Brian Ray.

Fact Sheet IIIb From the non-profit National Home Education Research Institute was founded by Dr. Brian Ray.

Homeschooling on the ThresholdA Survey of Research at the Dawn of the New MillenniumBy Dr. Brian Ray.

Videos

What Research Says About Home Schooling
This professionally produced video features an informal interview with Dr. Brian Ray, President of the National Home Education Research Institute, simple graphics that summarize main points about the research findings, and a minimum of technical language. Information about topics such as "who is home schooling and why," the "socialization of the home educated," and "academic achievement" makes this a useful tool for presenting home education to critics, professional educators, or anyone for whom home schooling is a novel concept. (18 minutes, 1993)

Homeschooling in Action
This exciting video is an hour-long documentary on how to get started homeschooling. By getting a candid glimpse into the daily homeschooling habits and activities of three experienced families, along with some great advice from many homeschooling "experts," you will get a realistic view of what a successful homeschool "looks like." After watching the tape, you should have a basic idea of how to get organized, set up your schedule, choose curriculum, find resources, and get connected with other homeschoolers in your community and state. Produced by Kevin Lundberg.

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Considering Catholic Homeschooling?

This article may be helpful...

Introduction

For parents contemplating homeschooling their children, it can be a scary endeavor. In order to make the right decision for your family and to take this big step, parents need to prepare themselves. The best way to prepare is through prayer. One has to ask the Holy Spirit for guidance. He will help. It is also a good idea to read as much as one can on the subject of Catholic homeschooling.

As a starting place, the following quotes and prayers are offered to assist new Catholic homeschooling parents and their families.

Prayer for Mother Seton's Intercession

Lord God, You blessed Elizabeth Seton with gifts of grace as wife and mother, educator and foundress, so that she might spend her life in service to your people.
Through her example and prayers may we learn to express our love for you in love for our fellow men and woman. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
-From the Roman Missal

Quotes by Catholics

"He who is faithful to God is faithful to his country and to his family, and the more the fear of God animates the citizens of a country, the greater and the more respected will the nation be. Moreover, as it is said that nations are formed on the knees of the mother, it follows that the more the mother is venerated in the family, and the more she herself conforms her conduct to that sublime model that we have in her, who, repairing the faults of Eve, raised the status of humanity, so much the greater will be those future generations who will form the glory and the prosperity of their country. These principles...you should teach in your school, because as educators, you must not only form good Christians, but good citizens for the State, which we wish to be great and respected."
...Mother Frances Cabrini in a letter to the daughters in her Community.

Education

An educator was once asked by a mother of a child of five years of age, at what age she should begin educating her child. His answer was that 'it it already five years too late.'"
"It is a great fallacy for parents to believe that the education of their children depends on the school. The school is not the primary educator, but the secondary; its authority to teach the children is delegated by the parents, the right inherent in the father and the mother. Nor is the school ever a substitute for the parents."

"In the definition of education it was observed that the purpose of education is to enter into contact not merely with enviornment but with the totality of environment, with an end to explaining the purpose of life. But the purpose of life cannot be understood without God, nor can any one enter into contact with the whole of environment unless he enters into relationship with God, in Whom we live and move and have our being."

"We are in a condition of society where the school has replaced Church in education, and we are coming to a condition where the State will replace the school. Such is always the logic of history; when the family surrenders its rights, the State assumes them as its own. In order to avoid that condition, the new order must integrate in some way religion to education."

"Unless a man's will has a purpose and it is a good one, education will do nothing for him except to forify his own egotism."

"The prime purpose of education is the making of aman, and it is impossible to make a man without giving him the purpose of being a man."

"Modern education makes no distinction between error and sin, it teaches that what we call evil is only an intellectual error."

"Never before has there been so much education and never before so little coming to the knowledge of the truth. We forget that ignorance is better than error."

"Our so-called liberal and progressive educators who denied the reality of guilt, did not, as they promised, relieve man from the shackles of 'medieval morality'; but they did relieve the person of his responsiblity and therefore of his freedom."

"If a little boy loses his temper and inslults his father, he is not told that he is at fault; our progressive educators would not warp his mind by speaking of wrong--they blame it on his naughty ductless glands. Today nobody is wrong; they are anti-social or have bad tonsils."
...Bishop Fulton Sheen

TO PARENTS

It is very important that children learn from their fathers and mothers how to love one another--not in the school, not from the teacher, but from you. It is very important that you share with your children the joy of that smile. There will be misunderstandings; every family has its cross, its suffering. Always be the first to forgive with a smile. Be cheerful, be happy.
...Mother Teresa of Calcutta

PARENTS
"The parents have been appointed by God Himself as the first and principal educators of their children...their right is completely inalienable"
--Pope John Paul - (Familiaris Consortio 40)

School and the Holy Spirit
When a child goes to school, he takes his soul with him. What he learns will have an effect on whether he saves his soul, and how he fulfills the purpose for which God made him."

"St. Paul says, 'Not that we are sufficient to think anything of ourselves, as of ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God.' Thus, going to school involves God every hour and minute and second, and everything a child learns that is truth, he learns with the help of the Spirit of Truth. That is why going to school has a particular relation to the Holy Spirit."

"Parents can teach it all, if they want to. There is no shortgage of doctrine to teach or grace to help with the teaching. There are the Gospels to read and apply, discussion groups to attend, pastors and nuns and libraries and literature within reach of a phone call or a postage stamp. There is the Mass, the sacraments, the prayers of the universal church offered for all her members, the love of God and the help of the Holy Spirit. There are the tremendous graces peculiar to the vocation of parenthood, given especially to help with this most important duty of all. We are not in this think alone. God is in it more than we are. All that is necessary is to understand that it must be taught, and to pray for the grace to do it."

Every child once he reaches the age of reason should automatically pray to the Holy Spirit..."Please, Holy Spirit, help me in school today."
...(excerpts from We and Our Children by Mary Reed Newland)