Cloudy With a Chance, Book Swap, Kid's Geography
By Heather Idoni
Added Thursday, October 15, 2009
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The Homeschooler's Notebook
Encouragement and Advice for Homeschool Families
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Vol. 10 No 76 October 15, 2009
ISSN: 1536-2035
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Copyright (c) 2009 - Heather Idoni, FamilyClassroom.net
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Welcome to The Homeschooler's Notebook!
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IN THIS ISSUE:
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Notes from Heather
-- Cloudy/Meatballs Unit
Helpful Tip
-- PaperBackSwap
Winning Website
-- KidsGeo.com
Reader Question
-- Fear is a Factor
Additional Notes
-- Newsletter Archives
-- Sponsorship Information
-- Reprint Information
-- Subscriber Information
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Notes from Heather
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'Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs' Activity Ideas!
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Since the movie is making its debut, why not go back and read the
book to compare and contrast? While you are at it, why not try some
Five-in-a-Row style activities to go along with it? The following
unit incorporates social studies, math, science, language arts, art
and life skills -- and it is an EasyFunSchool.com exclusive!
http://www.easyfunschool.com/Cloudy_With_a_Chance_of_Meatballs.html
---
Do you have comments to share? Please do!
Send your emails to: mailto:heather@familyclassroom.net
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Helpful Tip
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"Our homeschool goes through hundreds of books every year. As my
youngest moves through books I post them at PaperBackSwap. I
alternate my credits from each child's interests to another. They
never know what package might be on its way -- one loves comics,
another knitting, another dance. I have turned our books into
new school books and recycled rather than buying new!" -- Amy R.
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"As a homeschooler, one of my biggest needs is books, and one of
my biggest obstacles is budget. PaperBackSwap has helped me
immensely with both! I have sent out books that I have found,
books that I have paid peanuts for at library sales, books that
people have left behind when moving out... I have received grammar
books, history books, historical fiction, biographies, and so much
more to use in school! And my husband has lucked out on some model
railroading books. We love it!" -- Marilyn C.
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Note from Heather --
I just joined PaperBackSwap, too! I listed 10 small softcover
books I didn't need and 4 of them were on other members' wish lists
so they were requested immediately. I got 2 free books instantly
just for signing up!
Here is my referral link -- if you use it I will get credit when
you join. Thanks!
http://FamilyClassroom.net/PaperBackSwap/
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Do you have an idea, experience, or tip to share? Please write!
Send to: mailto:HN-ideas@familyclassroom.net
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Winning Website
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Geology and Geography for Kids -- http://www.kidsgeo.com
This site is really two sites combined. From the home page choose
either Geography or Geology. Either way you go, you'll be treated
to information about our Earth, written especially for elementary
kids. Both "sides" also feature interactive games, which are great
for teaching and reinforcing knowledge.
-- Cindy, http://www.HomeschoolingFromTheHeart.com
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Last Issue's Reader Question
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"Homeschooling has been on my mind for years. My oldest child (daughter,
turning 15) has just started a private parochial high school. My two
sons (12/6th grade and 9/4th grade) are beginning the school year at a
private parochial grade school -- the same one that their sister attended.
Here's my dilemma -- I have felt the pull of homeschooling for years.
Fear is such a factor... fear of 'ruining their lives'; fear of what MY
friends would say/do since it is just 'not done' in our community; fear
of being really bad at it. I have been lurking around on various groups,
receiving emails from groups, and just afraid to take the plunge. The
boys (especially the 12 year old) are the ones that I am thinking of
homeschooling. The school is just not a good fit for the oldest, and I
don't think the younger would be thrilled with going to school all day
while the other one 'got to stay home'. My daughter is finally excited
about school for the first time, so I would definitely leave her where
she is. I guess my question is -- how do I take the plunge? Will it
work? What if it doesn't and I make a huge mistake? What if I have no
more time for myself since the kids don't go to school (yes, selfish, but
true.) Ugh. I definitely need some help!" -- Kathy
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Our Readers' Responses
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"I could give all kinds of reassurances and ideas, but instead
I'm going to give you an option. See if Connections Academy or
some other online school is available in your area. Your boys
would learn at home, you would be their learning coach - their
primary teaching mentor - and you would have the help of a teacher
at the online school. This way your boys would be 'in school'
(with a twist) and you'd have the flexibility you are looking
for." -- Anne
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"If you feel it in your heart, do it. If you feel it is best for
you and your children, don't let others influence you. They are
your children and no one knows them better. I suggest a lot of
praying; I was in your shoes last year -- my son started middle
school and it was not for him. Then my daughter started 5th grade
this year at home with us and it has been great. My 17 year old
son is still attending high school, but that works for him." -- Lisa
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"Homeschooling one's kids does not mean life enjoyment ends for you.
It's a tough yet highly rewarding decision to make for one's family.
It's all about praying, planning, and having true and sincere commitment
to yourself and to your family. Make sure you carry your children
along with you when it comes to your 'me time'.
I just started homeschooling three weeks ago with my two older kids.
I am also a graduate student and I work from home as a freelance writer.
I love what I do (being in grad school and being a writer) and I love
the fact that my husband and I made the decision to homeschool our kids.
Though they are still young and are in kindergarten and first grade,
I have learned so much within the past few weeks.
So, switch off FEAR and switch on LIFE!" -- Maryam
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Answer our NEW Question
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"We are struggling with a teenager who has decided that public school is
the path to success in the 'real world'. According to him, it is a
perfected system to which homeschool methods could never compare. As you
might imagine, we strongly disagree. Some of our efforts to convince him
seem to be helping a bit. He is still doing well in all of his homeschool
studies. I recently decided we were going to take some time researching
successful people who have been homeschooled. I can think of a few, but
I thought I would ask who all of you would include on this list. Any
other tips or ideas would also really be helpful. Thanks." -- Betsy
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Do you have thoughts to share with Betsy?
Please send your answer to: mailto:HN-answers@familyclassroom.net
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Ask YOUR Question
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Do you have a question you would like our readers to answer?
Send it to mailto:HN-questions@familyclassroom.net and we'll see
if we can help you out in a future issue!
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Need Immediate Help?
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and let them know that Heather sent you!
This ultra-safe chat is supervised by experienced moms who are
there to serve and share their wisdom... or just offer a listening
ear and encouragement.
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