Springing into Reading

                                                   

Is it just me, or is Spring just the Best time of the year or what?! The weather is so nice and warm, but not too Hot yet. Outside of some allergy issues, it is perfect. Speaking of Spring, it has also put a Pep back into my "Unit Study" step. I have been getting back to nature with some Fun Spring Inspired Unit studies, Spring crafts & Nature games lately. Kids have really enjoyed learning about all of the insects, etc.

In other Homeschooling news, my Kindergartner is working hard on his reading. We have been using these Great picture puzzles that have a letter on each picture. This really has helped him put the words together correctly. In addition, I have also have had him sit with me, while I read picture books to him. Every so often I point to a word and see if he can figure out what it could be, based off the images and other words we had been reading. I have learned over the years that when children encounter an unfamiliar word while reading, that using contextual cues ( information from pictures or from sentences surrounding the unknown word), really helps. He has made so much progress with his reading recently, just so proud of him!

Until next time.

 

SAT & Evaluation's

Whether or not you Homeschool on a typical school calendar or you school year round and of course depending on which state you reside and/ or by your own choice, Year end Homeschool evaluation or SAT's are on your upcoming "To Do" list.

If you are like myself, than you have already called and set up an appointment with a local Teacher, who preform these Homeschool Evaluations. You are also busy writing out questions or concerns to discuss, as well as, putting together a folder filled with samples of your children's school work and printing out any grades if you also use Online Curriculum.





If you choose to Test, than you are probably busy having your child do practice tests, SAT games, and you may have even hired a SAT math tutor and/or SAT writing tutor.





Regardless, what you do, we all have the same goal in mind. We want to see that our children are Learning! That are efforts are Working! One thing I always tell myself before an evaluation and I am going to share this with you all today!

    ~ I have done a Great job so far! My Children are learning and thriving as Homeschooler's! ~

That Yes!

 

Until Next time...

They say the Best things in Life are Free and I couldn't agree more!

This concept in my life also applies to Homeschooling. There just nothing better than finding those Freebies that are O' so helpful :)

Recently, I have been getting ready for the New School Year to be ( hard to believe it is already April!). I know for some of you, you are looking forward to a nice Summer Vaca, but in our family, we choose to school year round. During the Summer time is when we start wrapping up, reviewing, and getting ready for the next Grade year.

 

No matter whether or not you also school year-round, when it is time to wrap up "your" current year  and prepare for your next year, make sure you take the time to review your current curriculum and Homeschooling system, method, etc. Questions you should ask yourself is, is it still working for you and your children? Does anything need to be added or changed, etc? If you are not already apart of a local Homeschooling group/ co-op and want to be, this would be the time to look into finding one in your area. If you live where there isn't one, again this would be the time to decide if creating one yourself, is what you would want to do.
 In addition,  if you enjoy Unit Studies like we do, then choosing at least a couple of topics ahead of time is a good idea ( whether you put them together yourself or buy them pre-made, there is still some prep needed). Then there is printing out any printable games, printable flashcards, printable worksheets, etc. ahead of time. This really does make your day to day school-day flow much smoother.

Last, but not least, buying those school supply's : paper, pencils, markers, printer ink, etc. I personally try and wait till Tax Free time and stock up for the year. It is a big money saver! ( if your state doe not offer this, but you live close to another state, check and see if the neighboring state has the Tax Free Program. It may be worth the drive ;)

 

Until Next time...

 

How to Make a Popsicle Stick Puzzle

I have discovered a New Educational Craft, that is Fun! It is call a Popsicle stick puzzles! They are Super easy to make, cheap, and lets not forget a wonderful project that helps your child to develop their thinking skills, motor skills and long term memory.

 

Here are the steps on how to make a Popsicle stick puzzle:

Items needed:

• Popsicle's
• tape
• pencil, markers, crayons, etc.

 

Optional:

• Glue
• knife
• picture

 

1. Give your child several Popsicle sticks and have him or her lay the Popsicle sticks side by side on a flat surface to form a square or rectangle. For example, the child could use their Popsicle sticks to make a raft formation. Be sure the ends of the raft formation are even with each other.

2. Place a piece of masking tape over the top end of the Popsicle sticks. Smooth the tape out as you apply it to the Popsicle sticks, while being sure the sticks stay snug against each other. Place a second piece of masking tape to the bottom end of the Popsicle sticks.

3. Turn the Popsicle square or rectangle over so the front side of the Popsicles face upwards. The masking tape must be down towards the flat surface for this part of the puzzle development.

4. Use a pencil, pen, etc. to draw a picture on all of the Popsicle sticks. Use markers or crayons to color your picture. Be creative and colorful.

5. Flip the puzzle over and remove the pieces of masking tape from backside of puzzle. Throw the pieces of masking tape away once they have been removed from the Popsicle sticks.

Viola! Puzzle Complete!

Now for the Fun

6. Have your child mix up the Popsicle sticks and then have them put the correct puzzle pieces back together in the correct order.

Tips:

• Depending on the child's age, you can make these puzzles as big or small as you want.
• Put small number on the backside for younger kids. This will help you remember the order of the pieces.
• Hide the puzzle pieces around the room and have your child find the pieces, then put the puzzle together.
• You or your child can also glue a picture to the Popsicle sticks. Once dry, then have an adult use a knife, to cut the Popsicle sticks apart evenly.

 

Idea taken from eHow.com How to Make a Popsicle Stick Puzzle | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_2265279_make-popsicle-stick-puzzle.html#ixzz2PjuIYxhc

 

 

 

In other Homeschooling news...

 

It is almost that time of year again. Whether you are a Homeschooling or Roadschooling most of us, depending on your state, have either end of year testing or evaluations to do. Click the link below to learn more.

 

 

Homeschool Portfolio Evaluations <~ Click to learn more ;)

 

 

 

 

Until Next Time...