Learning On Their Own, Piggy Bank Adventure, Kindergarten Stories
By Heather Idoni
Added Monday, May 10, 2010
==========================================================Vol. 11 No. 26, May 10, 2010, ISSN: 1536-2035
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© 2010, Heather Idoni - www.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
-- Enjoy Your Children
Winning Website
-- Piggy Bank Adventure
Helpful Tip
-- Kids Learn On Their Own
Reader Question
-- Science for Sixth Grade
Additional Notes
-- Newsletter Archives
-- Sponsorship Information
-- Reprint Information
-- Subscriber Information
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Notes from Heather
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This time of year can be a stressful time for some. Trying to finish
curriculum or completing school-year-end goals can take its toll on
parents as well as children.
Remember during these last weeks of pre-summer pushing to close the
books and enjoy the outdoors, play games with your kids, and take a
deep breath of LIFE. Reflect on the joy of watching your children
grow, knowing you have so much more time to spend just having them
in your life and experiencing the miracle that they ARE.
Yesterday my husband put down his nursing school books and got down
on the floor with our boys for several hours and just built Legos
with them. It is such a delight for me to see him play chess or
Scrabble with them, even when he could be doing other "more important"
things. He's got his priorities straight! :-)
Enjoy your miracles today -- they will still turn out fine if you don't
finish the math book. They won't have regrets and neither will you.
-- Heather
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NEW from Cardamom Publishers!
Kindergarten Stories and Morning Talks
With this 1890 kindergarten story curriculum, you'll enjoy
reading the old-time stories in this collection as much as
your child will enjoy listening to them. Originally written
and assembled by Sara Wiltse, this book combines familiar
stories, many from around the world, with little known and
forgotten stories that will make this a favorite book.
With over 125 illustrations, Kindergarten Stories & Morning
Talks is the ideal first curriculum for homeschooling parents
and teachers of young children who enjoy and appreciate
vintage texts.
Download a free sample story here!
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Helpful Tip
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Homeschooled Kids Learn So Much On Their Own
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"When I first began homeschooling, I focused heavily on the books
we used. There wasn’t nearly as much good curriculum available as
there is now, but I studied up on what there was, and once I made
my purchases, I followed the directions in the teacher’s guides
word for word... at first.
Like most homeschooling parents, I became more relaxed as I went
along. But it took me a while to see that the key to learning
success didn’t have much to do with what kind of books we used
or how we “did school” each day. What really made the difference
was that my kids had time to learn things on their own.
Take reading, for example. I started each child out with a reading
curriculum, but no real progress was made until they found an
appealing book that was too hard for them to read. Their desire
gave them the incentive to work at reading the book. Lots of
questions followed, and as I answered those questions, my children
became more proficient and enthusiastic readers. The hours they
spent reading after we came home from the library certainly helped
the process.
Then there was art. The kids spent many rainy afternoons in the
basement with big sheets of paper and tempera paints, or with
modeling clay. The fact that they’re all creative now has its
roots in those long hours devoted to experimenting with art
supplies. Our eldest craves time off work so she can put in hours
creating mosaics with glass. Her sister (currently in culinary
training) loves experimenting in the kitchen. Our youngest enjoys
making elaborate drawings at the desk in his room. And even our
oldest son, who works a demanding job with lots of travel, enjoys
finding ways to be creative in his work.
I believe the root of their creativity lies in the ample free time
they had in their youth. Nobody told me how good that would be for
them. But I’m telling you now: don’t get too worked up over teacher’s
guides. Make sure to give your kids plenty of time to learn on their
own."
-- Barbara Frank, http://barbarafrankonline.com/
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Winning Website
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The Great Piggy Bank Adventure -- http://piggybank.disney.go.com
Disney has created an entertaining, interactive and educational game to
teach kids about financial literacy. Players interact with on a virtual
board game making decisions along the way related to spending, saving,
and even investing. Designed for ages 8 - 14, the site is free, but does
require registration. Disney encourages parents to play with their kids,
so they can provide input and have discussions about money management.
Cindy Prechtel, www.HomeschoolingFromTheHeart.com
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Reader Question
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"I am looking for a good 6th grade science curriculum. Since we are
limited on supplies/equipment, I would prefer something without a lot
of 'bells and whistles'. Thanks for your help!" -- Jo W.
---
Could you help Jo out with some recommendations for science?
Please send your email 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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