MoralXpression

The Old Schoolhouse Magazine for Homeschooling

2011-07-26T08:27:00.000-04:00

Want to see what the magazine is like? Well right now you can view it on line for free! Just click on the link below!

Unit Studies by Amanda Bennett

2011-07-24T20:55:00.000-04:00

Right now Amanda Bennett is having a wonderful sale on some of her unit studies! And every Tuesday she gives away one for free to so many followers! This past week I was able to pick up a total of 6 free! I also bought 4! http://www.UnitStudy.com Check out her selection! She provides everything you need! You can get a one week or a four week unit study!

Homeschooling During the Primary Years

2011-07-24T20:49:00.002-04:00

Homeschooling during the primary years can be fun and very stress-free. A lot of parents get worried that their kids won’t learn everything that they need to. But with the right resources you can keep your kids on track and develop all the necessary skill sets for high school and beyond.
The primary school teaching style can be a lot more intense than the highschool equivalent. Primary aged children require constant attention to their learning. Every day the learning process begins again and every day you need to practice concepts and learn new things for a successful learning progression. Drills, testing, and practice are absolutely necessary. This requires a lot of time, so be prepared to be very involved in their learning. Planning each day’s material is very important because smaller children can be easily confused and get lost. Proper planning is crucial.
While you may not be using a specific program during the primary years, outside materials can be very helpful to help you get an idea of what your child should be learning at certain ages. Don’t be afraid to use your own judgment either. You too were in primary school once upon a time. That can serve as a great guide to help you determine what should be taught. How you decide to teach things is entirely up to you. The nice thing about the primary years is that you can use a variety of real life events to teach mathematical concepts and other important primary concepts. There is so much scope for fun.
I find the kitchen is the heart of the home and the laboratory. Practicing reading by reading labels not only teaches nutrition but also provides practice for word and number recognition. Cooking with measuring cups teaches fractions and reinforces simple mathematics. You can take basic concepts and teach them using every day objects and activities. If you choose not to introduce these concepts in this way, you can still use real situations to reinforce simple learning. The nice thing about homeschooling is that the world (your home) can be your child’s classroom, whether they are “in school” or at play. The task of schooling during the primary years is to lay basic concepts for middle and high school.
Having the kids at home during the primary years also gives you the chance to zero in on your child’s specific difficulties and correct them early, before they become stumbling blocks in your child’s academic career. This is the time to make sure that all the basic skills such as reading, writing (both grammar and hand writing), and math are well established so that your children are ready for high school. Also, other challenges can be remedied during this time, such as speech impediments and dyslexia. These challenges can be easily overlooked by teachers in schools who have the daunting task of teaching and caring for a whole classroom.
In the primary school years don’t forget that your usual homeschooling resources are also at hand: online websites and search engines, local homeschooling groups, state associations, and libraries to access any resources that you might need. Many parents find specific programs helpful in the primary years and others find the eclectic method of using a variety of books and resources helpful and best for their kids. Use what works!
Melissa Murdoch has a passion for life span development and education, and believes wholeheartedly that a healthy society begins at home. For further information on how to get started in homeschooling, please visit YourHomeschoolCommunity.com.

Source: http://www.homeschool-articles.com/homeschooling-during-the-primary-years/

Advantage of Homeschooling: Socialization

2011-07-24T20:45:00.002-04:00

Homeschooling is an education option that is widely debated by comparing and contrasting it to public school. There are always two sides to every story, and there are many topics that always seem to come up in these discussions. This article will focus on one of the popular questions: socialization, by sharing our family’s experience as it relates to this discussion.
Homeschool Kids Don’t Have Socialization
This one pops up a lot. I find it hard to understand what people mean when they say this, or why it is usually the first thing they think of when the topic of homeschooling comes up. If they mean that sending your child to spend 8 hours a day with a bunch of kids their age in relatively unsupervised conditions is going to help develop their socialization skills, I am baffled even more.
Kids need much attention. When they are in a public setting, especially on their own, they feel the need for attention, but learn to seek it the way their peers do by example: whining, screaming, manipulation, hitting, etc. I'm not saying that my kids never whine, scream or hit, but we make it unfruitful for them to do so - they don't get what they want. To be consistent with denying their whining or screaming until they ask in a normal tone of voice or accept that no is your final answer may take 5 or even 15 minutes – for the immediate battle and a weeks to win the war. This requires a flexible environment that is rarely available in a public setting. Our experience is that being consistent in denying whining and screaming is that they quickly learn not to do it. Reinforcing this over time it then becomes a way of life.
In the public school setting kids are relatively unsupervised during activities such as lunch, recess, changing classes, gym class, bus trips, assemblies, etc. Anything goes to get what they want. They quickly learn that manipulation of various forms works to get the attention they seek. However, if they aren’t one of the “group” they may suffer verbal and sometimes physical abuse that causes them to withdraw and not want to seek communication or relationship with anyone. It only brings pain. Kids can be so cruel to one another.
If you wanted your child to learn how to bowl would you send them to a group of kids their age, or would you seek a mentor who knew how to bowl? The skill of socialization is the same as any skill. They stand to learn a skill quicker and more complete when mentored by a few that are more mature in that skill. Kids learn more how to “survive” than how to properly socialize in a public school setting. They are more likely to get more loving, supportive attention at home than in a public setting. If you communicate with your kids in a truthful mature manner they will learn to get and receive attention the same way. There are plenty of opportunities to socialize with other kids at home, in church, with homeschool groups, or in your neighbohood.
My wife and I both attended public schools growing up, and we have been enjoying the advantages of homeschooling our children for over 10 years. We understand that homeschooling is a choice, and that it is may not be for everyone. Hopefully this helped you see both sides more clearly. We hope to address some more of the debated questions in future articles.
Randall & Karen Webster have been homeschooling their 5 children for over 10 years. They offer advice and encouragement through a Free 5-part Mini-Course at Frustration Free Homeschool.

Source: http://www.homeschool-articles.com/advantage-of-homeschooling-socialization/

Homeschool Buyer's Co-op

2011-07-24T20:41:00.000-04:00

I LOVE the Homeschool Buyer's Co-op! The membership is free! You get to buy homeschool curriculum at a group discount! And you can even earn Smart Points toward your purchases. Just follow the link below to find out more!

http://www.homeschoolbuyersco-op.org/

I just ordered the Happy Scientist one year subscription for $5.00! He has some really nice experiments that you can do with your children!

Wonderful Free Resource!

2011-04-30T23:32:00.000-04:00

Here is a website for lots of free resources for homeschooling or helping a public school student in subjects. Hope you enjoy!

http://www.educational-freeware.com/

So where have I been?

2011-04-12T14:00:00.000-04:00

I guess you all have been wondering where I have been. I'm sorry for the weeks of no posts! I've been weighed down with taking 5 classes this semester. I am trying to complete this degree in a speedy fashion before life interrupts me! The semester is winding down so be on the look out for posts! I've got some great products that I need to post my reviews of so watch for those too.

So just a few updates from here. I recently became a member of NAEYC and the local chapter, IACAEYC. I'm really excited about this! I was recently awarded the Early Childhood Education award at my college.

My son has been making progress too! After realizing that he doesn't like or can't use regular size crayons,chalk, and pencils, I cut them down for him! I got the idea from the Handwriting without Tears website! And he LOVES the new size!

I am hoping to get some pics up of some of the things we've been working on. Please bear with me as I get this going and winding the semester down. Thanks for you patience!

Wow what a semester!

2011-03-07T13:15:00.000-05:00

What a semester at school I've been having! Lots of projects and work due. Combine that with teaching Benjamin and keeping up my household then you understand why I've not posted lately! I only have two semesters left after this and hopefully things will calm down. I'm trying to post some freebies and articles today. I hope you enjoy! I hope to start posting pictures of activities that we are doing at home soon!

Free History Lesson Plans!

2011-03-07T13:09:00.000-05:00

The American Heritage Education Foundation is offering a free lesson plan CD! Just go here to request it!

Free Ebooks!

2011-03-07T13:05:00.000-05:00

All About Reading is offering 2 FREE ebooks! Just go here to claim them!

Freebie!

2011-03-07T12:59:00.000-05:00

At Your Seat Study: Explorer Series: Marco Polo -The Man (part one) (eBook)

Product Description

TRY THIS FILE FOR FREE!

This first file in the At Your Seat Study- Explorer Series focuses on the general overview of Marco Polo. From his childhood thru his 17 year tenure to Kablia Khan and his return home, cards are given with information that covers Marco's biography. At Your Seat Study files are created specifically for children who need a visual recall for narrating back. Four sessions are required. For each session there is less and less information with the purpose of the final day the student seeing one picture and being able to narrate back a whole thought about Marco and his life. This tried and true formula was purposelfully created for dyslexics and other special needs children to participate in the Charlotte Mason teaching approach.

Click here! Hope you enjoy this freebie brought to you by www.FortunatelyForYouBooks.com

2011-02-11T07:04:00.000-05:00

Click here to get freebie!

PRESIDENT'S DAY HOLIDAY HELPER (PDF ebook)

Presidents Day (Feb 21st) honors two of our most beloved presidents - George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.
But, how to observe the holiday and still homeschool? With living books, great art, and inspiring quotes for copywork,  that's how. LivingBooksCurriculum's Presidents Day Holiday Helper, an 86-page handbook, is a helpful guide to our national holiday - and it's yours in plenty of time to use it for this year's President's Day. Great resource!

The Reading Mother

2011-02-11T07:02:00.000-05:00

The Reading Mother
by Strickland Gillilan (1869–1954)
I had a mother who read to me
Sagas of pirates who scoured the sea.
Cutlasses clenched in their yellow teeth;
"Blackbirds" stowed in the hold beneath.
I had a Mother who read me lays
Of ancient and gallant and golden days;
Stories of Marmion and Ivanhoe,
Which every boy has a right to know.
I had a Mother who read me tales
Of Gelert the hound of the hills of Wales,
True to his trust till his tragic death,
Faithfulness lent with his final breath.
I had a Mother who read me the things
That wholesome life to the boy heart brings-
Stories that stir with an upward touch.
Oh, that each mother of boys were such!
You may have tangible wealth untold;
Caskets of jewels and coffers of gold.
Richer than I you can never be –
I had a Mother who read to me.

(I saw this on another site and thought what a wonderful truth! Hope you enjoy!)

Teaching Children How To Cook

2011-02-04T15:34:00.000-05:00

Homeschooling is all about life, not just the academics. So part of our children’s education need to be “life skills”. Cooking is a great life skill to teach your children – both boys and girls. Because children usually love to cook, cooking with them – although messy at times – can be a lot of fun. Use cooking time with your children to:

Spend time with your children, talking AND listening to them
Make memories; decorate gingerbread houses at Christmas, grill outdoors with dad in the summer, decorate Christmas cookes and taking them to the neighbors, teach them all about hospitality
Reinforce learning; when cooking, children read, practice math, and learn basic chemisty and physics
Pass along your family history and heritage; all families have recipes that have been passed down through generations – these often come with stories of family members and loved ones that have passed on
Teach your children a life skill they will need to be successful adults; if you’re children – boys and girls – know how to cook, they will be able to feed themselves and their families in the future

Some of the cooking skills that are valuable for your children to learn are:

Kitchen and food safety
Cleanliness
How to choose ingredients
How to use utensils, knives and equipment
How to measure liquid and dry ingredients accurately
Cooking techniques
Nutrition
Meal planning
Menu planning
How to shop for food
How to budget for food and stay within the budget
Proper table setting and serving
Good table manners

Establish safety rules
Make sure you establish firm safety rules for cooking and enforce them. Children shouldn’t use the stove or electric appliances until they are tall enough to reach them safely. Sharp kitchen knives should not be used until your child has developed their fine motor skills to use them safely. This usually is around 10 years of age. Make sure your child understands these rules, why they are important, and that they are willing to obey them without question.
Adult supervision
Adult supervision is absolutely necessary teaching your child a new kitchen skill. Eventually, your child will become more proficient in their cooking skills and you will be able to start checking on them periodically to see how they are doing. As they grow older and learn more skills, your child will be able to plan and cook a complete meal from start to finish.
Age Appropriate Cooking Skills
It’s great to let your children begin helping in the kitchen at a very young age. Infants and crawling babies always like to be where mom is, but the kitchen might be a little too dangerous. Set them out of the way and give them plastic bowls, wooden spoons, and maybe a pan or two so that your little ones can play happily while pretending to cook with you.
At two or three, let your budding chef stand on a chair or stool next to you and have fun pouring ingredients that you’ve measured into a bowl. They can also help clear the table after dinner by removing placemats, napkins, and trash.
By four or five years of age, your child should be able to:

spread peanut butter on bread with a butter knife
tear up lettuce for a salad (make sure you instruct them on the proper size piece)
mash soft fruit
wash fruits and vegetables
stir things together (unless they are hot)

They can also learn to set the table and can begin to learn basic table manners.
Children between the ages of 6 and 10 should be able to:

use the whisk, can opener and hand egg beater
measure ingredients and mix them in the right order

A child-friendly cook book with recipes that can be made with minimal supervision would be a good thing to have on hand at this stage.
By age 10 or so, children can usually begin to use the stove, knives and mixer with supervision. Have your child learn to prepare a simple recipe for dinner. This is a great time to start baking – cakes and cookies are always a favorite to eat at this age. Teach your child to set the table properly, including crystal and extra forks.
Let your young teens plan a party. Help them plan the menu, shop and prepare the food for the party. Also, teach them to prepare a simple, easy meal such as spaghetti or taco salad. Give them additional instruction on nutrition and food safety. And now is definitely the time to make sure they clean up the kitchen when they are done cooking.
And finally, when your teens are older, they should learn all about budgeting, menu planning and shopping. Soon, they will be on their own, using the cooking skills you’ve taught them for the rest of their lives.
Teaching children how to cook can be a lot of fun and very rewarding. First of all, your child will acquire essential life skills. Secondly, you might be pleasantly surprised when your teenager makes you a birthday cake all by themselves. And what a joy it is when your children show up for Thanksgiving dinner with a favorite family recipe. And then again, maybe your daughter will call for a favorite family cookie recipe because she wants to make them with her kids too.

Kelly Ling is a work-at-home, homeschooling mother of five. She has mentored many homeschooling and work-at-home moms over the past eighteen years. Kelly also owes a home-based web design business. When not doing web design, she is constantly updating some of her homeschooling/work-at-home websites – Homeschool Top Sites, ChristianWAHM.com, WAHM Contests, and others.

Article Source

Freebie of the Day!

2011-02-04T15:29:00.000-05:00

Go here to download!

21 Valentine Craft Ideas (PDF ebook) Kids love to keep busy, and holidays like Valentine's Day are the perfect times to sit down with your children and grandchildren for some fun crafting! These 21 Valentine craft ideas for kids from FaveCrafts include homemade Valentines that kids can make for their friends and family, crafty Valentine's Day decorations for your home, and parties for everyone. Check it out!

Apologies

2011-02-04T15:27:00.002-05:00

I am so sorry that it has been so long since I posted. My sick family and then school starting had me so busy I was unable to find the time. I've finally gotten everyone in my family over their sickness and back on track for school. Please accept my apologies.

Sick Family

2011-01-18T07:59:00.000-05:00

I'm sorry that it's been a little while since a post. My family has been sick. Half the family has had the flu, the other half is fighting Strep. I hope to feel good enough to start posting again this week.

Wonderful Site: Making Felt Food!

2011-01-10T19:54:00.000-05:00

Okay I've got to admit that I've always loved looking at the felt food on Etsy. To me it's one more way to teach children about food and let their imaginations run free. Now I've found a site that tells you about making it and gives you a whole list of links for tutorials! Ohdeedoh.com offers a gigantic list of tutorial sites! I can't wait until I can get some felt and try these ideas out! So what do you think about felt food?ENJOY!

Currclick's Monday Freebie!

2011-01-10T19:46:00.000-05:00

Description

Fifteen Multiplication games studying 0, 1, 2, 5, and 10's. Extremely easy way to introduce multiplication to your math fearing student.

12 Card Games (two use nickels or dimes)
3 Board Games

Great if you've got one that is struggling with multiplication! Just go here and download: Currclick

Math Mammoth

2011-01-07T22:05:00.000-05:00

If you want some help with teaching your child math, then head on over to Math Mammoth! If you sign up for her free email newsletter, you'll get 300 free worksheets to print! This will allow you to see what her books and curriculum are all about!

Go Here!

This might be a great help to someone whose child is struggling with math! ENJOY!

Autism Resource

2011-01-05T21:42:00.000-05:00

For those of you have a child with ASD, then you should check out the site: World of Autism . This site has lots of information!

Lesson Plans for the Froggy books series

2011-01-05T17:16:00.000-05:00

Benjamin LOVES the Froggy books. He actually "reads" these out loud and imitates my silly voices for it. So as I thought I would a resource to help with lesson plans for these books. Check out what I found! ENJOY!

Lots of ideas at Teaching Heart!

Freebie of the Day

2011-01-05T17:00:00.000-05:00

Go here to download!

LET'S LEARN TO TELL TIME! (PDF ebook)
Don't fret over teaching time! Today's free resource from Sonbeams offers worksheets, flashcard printables and teaching tips for how to help young children learn tell time – whether on a digital clock or an analog clock.
You can laminate or cover the flashcards with clear contact paper for multiple uses and extra durability. You can also slide the worksheets into a plastic page sleeve for use with dry erase markers.

A great way to learn hours, half hours, quarter after, and quarter 'til times for digital and wall clocks. Ages 5 to 8.

Currclick's Monday Freebie

2011-01-05T10:35:00.000-05:00

Go Here

Description

Have fun looking back at 2010 with this mini lapbook. You will need only one file folder for this lapbook. You get a total of 11 mini booklets. This lapbook contains 10 mini booklets that ask, "What did I learn in 2010?" Also contained is one booklet for goals or resolutions for 2011. "Happy New Year" clip art is provided to decorate the front of the lapbook if desired and file folder layout is also included.
Don't be afraid to get creative with this lapbook. You child could also glue pictures of friends, family or events on and inside the lapbook that happened in 2010!

IPad Giveaway at AppsSchool!

2011-01-04T12:13:00.000-05:00

Enter to win a 16GB iPad when you sign up for our weekly newsletter! We'll keep you posted as to what is new in educational apps and what is getting the most rave reviews! Must be at least 18 years old and a US resident to be eligible for drawing, but anyone can sign up for the newsletter. http://www.apps-school.com/

I entered! I would love to win this! :)