TheHomeSchoolMom Newsletter

THSM :: Spring Journal Pages, PDF Textbooks, Online Curriculum, Special Needs, Apologia Elementary Science

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 06:00:00 GMT

<img src="http://answermom.com/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi/spacer_image/thsm/20100301010004/spacer.png" /> <STYLE type="text/css">body { font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-decoration: none; color: #333333; line-height: 1.166; margin: 0px; padding: 10px; font-size: 12px} </style> <table width="820" cellpadding="0" border="0" style="font-size: 12px"><tr><td colspan="2"><table width="100%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" height="120" style="background-color:#FFFFCC; font-size: 10px "> <td width="310" style="background-color:#FFFFCC" height="140"><img src="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/images/masthead_nl.gif" alt="TheHomeSchoolMom.com" border="0"></a></td> <td valign="middle" style="background-color:#FFFFCC; font-size: 11px"><div id="globalNav" style="clear:both; text-align:right; padding: 20px;"> <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/" title="Bringing you the best free homeschool resources">Home</a> | <a style="color: #990033; 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color: #FFFFFF; background-color:#FCF57C "><h3 style="margin: 0; padding: 10px; color: #000000; background-color: #FCF57C">Homeschool resource links </h3></td></tr> <tr><td style="text-align: left; color: #FFFFFF; background-color:#FFFFCC; font-size: 12px "> <a style="display: block; padding: 5px; color: #000000; text-decoration: none" href="http://www.menus4moms.com/">Weekly dinner menus</A></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align: left; color: #FFFFFF; background-color:#FFFFCC; border-top: 2px solid #FFFFFF; font-size: 12px"> <a style="display: block; padding: 5px; color: #000000; text-decoration: none" href="http://www.menus4moms.com/articles/">Cooking articles</A></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align: left; color: #FFFFFF; background-color:#FFFFCC; border-top: 2px solid #FFFFFF; font-size: 12px"> <a style="display: block; padding: 5px; color: #000000; text-decoration: none" href="http://www.menus4moms.com/lunch/lunch.php">Lunch ideas</A></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align: left; color: #FFFFFF; background-color:#FFFFCC; border-top: 2px solid #FFFFFF; font-size: 12px"> <a style="display: block; padding: 5px; color: #000000; text-decoration: none" href="http://www.sitesforparents.com/perl/rankem.pcgi?id=butler">Sites for parents</A></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align: left; color: #FFFFFF; background-color:#FFFFCC; border-top: 2px solid #FFFFFF; font-size: 12px"> <a style="display: block; padding: 5px; color: #000000; text-decoration: none" href="http://www.sitesforteachers.com/cgi-bin/in.cgi?id=maryann">Sites for teachers</A></td></tr><tr> <td style="text-align: left; color: #FFFFFF; background-color:#FFFFCC; border-top: 2px solid #FFFFFF; font-size: 12px"> <a style="display: block; padding: 5px; color: #000000; text-decoration: none" href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/gettingorganized/planner.php#monthly">2010 Monthly Calendar </A> </td> </tr></table></td> <td valign="top" style="background-color:#FFFFFF"><div style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 10px; border: none; background-color: #FFFFFF; margin-right: 10px; margin-left: 15px; font-size:13px"> TheHomeSchoolMom's Free Homeschool Resources - March, 2010 Did someone forward this newsletter to you? <a href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/newsletter/">Get your own subscription here �</a> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/TheHomeSchoolMom"><img src="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/images/facebook.gif" style="float:left; text-decoration:none; padding-right: 15px" border="0" width="25">Become a fan of TheHomeSchoolMom on Facebook</a> In the first place God made idiots. That was for practice. Then he made school boards.  --Mark Twain <a name="contents"></a>~~~~Contents ~~~~ <ol> <li><a href="#editor"> From the Editor</a> </li> <li><a href="#updates">Website Updates</a> </li> <li><a href="#sponsortop">Apologia Elementary Curriculum 33% Off</a> (Our Sponsor) </li> <li><a href="#sites">Educational Resources </a> </li> <li><a href="#sponsormid">American Heritage Foundation</a> (Our Sponsor) </li> <li><a href="#seen_online">Recently Seen Online</a></li> <li><a href="#article">Article - Overwhelmed by Homeschooling and Life (Part 1)</a> by Barbara Frank </li> </ol> <a name="editor">1. From the Editor</a> <table cellpadding="10"><tr><td><a href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/links/index.php?id=spring_notebooking_pages"><img src="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/images/ad/np_mhj_spring_cover.png" width="150" border="0"></a></td><td valign="top"> Although you wouldn't know it by looking out my window, spring is indeed on its way. Debra of Notebooking Pages has added the spring pages for her free Mom's Home Journal, so be sure to <a href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/links/index.php?id=spring_notebooking_pages">check them out</a> (scroll to the bottom of the linked page for the download links). For more resources more often, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/TheHomeSchoolMom">become a fan of our Facebook page </a>. Enjoy the newsletter! Warm regards, Mary Ann Kelley Editor</td></tr></table>   <a href="#contents">Back to the Table of Contents</a> <a name="updates"></a>2. TheHomeSchoolMom.com Website Updates <ul> <li><a href=http://answermom.com/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi/archive/siteweek/20100224090308/>Site of the Week: Donna Young's Homeschool and Household Printables</a></li> <li><a href=http://answermom.com/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi/archive/thsm/20100201152132/>Feb Newsletter :: Birds, Linguistics, Character, Interruptions, and More</a></li> <li><a href=http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/teacherslounge/fieldtrips.php>Homeschooling Field Trips</a></li> <li><a href=http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/support/military.php>Military Family Homeschooling</a></li> <li><a href=http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/schoolroom/boston_massacre.php>Boston Massacre</a> </li> <li><a href=http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/schoolroom/tabernacle.php>Tabernacle</a> </li> <li><a href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/states/" title="Local homeschool support groups, classes, co-ops, conventions, and more">Local support and classes</a></li> </ul> Teaching Calendar <ul> <li><a href=http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/schoolroom/reading.php>Read Across America Day</a> - March 2 </li> <li><a href=http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/schoolroom/seuss.php>Dr. Seuss' Birthday</a> - March 2 </li> <li><a href=http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/schoolroom/famous_people/johnnyappleseed.php>Johnny Appleseed Day</a> - March 11 </li> <li><a href=http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/schoolroom/astronomy.php>Uranus discovered</a> - March 13 </li></ul> <a href="#contents">Back to the Table of Contents</a> <a name="sponsortop"></a>3. <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/cms_content?event=AFF&p=1010904&page=1244398&sp=1016" title="Apologia Elementary Curriculum 33% off">33% off Apologia Elementary Curriculum - March only sale!</a> (our sponsor) <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/cms_content?event=AFF&p=1010904&page=1244398&sp=1016" title="Apologia Elementary Curriculum 33% off"><img src="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/images/ad/apologia_HS_MMS-572x99-wlogo.jpg" border="0" alt="Apologia Elementary Curriculum 33% off"></a> Apologia provides fun and challenging K-12 creation-based science curriculum specifically designed for the home school. Written by a former university professor and homeschool parent, the courses provide college-preparatory science in a way that is both clear and challenging. The texts are readable, easy to understand, and full of engaging experiments that can be performed at home. They even provide a FREE help line to answer any questions or problems you may encounter and a money-back guarantee if you are not completely satisfied. For the month of March only, Christianbook.com is offering Apologia's elementary curriculum at 33% off! <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/cms_content?event=AFF&p=1010904&page=1244398&sp=1016" title="Apologia Elementary Curriculum 33% off">Order the elementary curiculum at 33% off or find out more »</a>   <a href="#contents">Back to the Table of Contents</a> <a name="sites"></a>4. Educational Resources <a href="http://ck12.org/flexr/">ck12.org Free PDF Textbooks</a> "CK-12 Foundation is a non-profit organization with a mission to reduce the cost of textbook materials for the K-12 market both in the U.S. and worldwide. Using an open-content, web-based collaborative model termed the "FlexBook," CK-12 intends to pioneer the generation and distribution of high quality educational content that will serve both as core text as well as provide an adaptive environment for learning." I did not review the texts for the accuracy or suitability of the content, but they are certainly a resource to check out. Most of the available texts are for upper level classes. <a href="http://ck12.org/flexr/">http://ck12.org/flexr/</a>   <a href="http://www.c-spanclassroom.org/Special-Offers.aspx">Free American Presidents Timeline Poster </a> "C-SPAN is delighted to announce our new American Presidents Timeline poster for classrooms. The 6ft long poster details the lives and public service careers of every president, plus key historical events, Supreme Court cases, and technology milestones throughout 280 years of Presidential history. They are free of charge to C-SPAN Classroom members." The posters are available to current or new registered teachers and registration is open to homeschoolers. <a href="http://www.c-spanclassroom.org/Special-Offers.aspx">http://www.c-spanclassroom.org/Special-Offers.aspx</a>   <a href="http://www.lessonpathways.com/">Lesson Pathways - Now Free!</a> Launched as a paid service, Lesson Pathways is now a free subscription. A Pathway is a unique learning unit that contains a prescreened selection of Internet resources, which together cover a particular topic. Each Pathway provides a multisensory learning experience, enabling children to learn from a variety of reading materials, hands-on projects, games, online activities, and videos. Many Pathways also include audio resources, e-books, and reference pages for those who want to delve even deeper into a topic. Pathway resources are prescreened to ensure that they are age-appropriate and informative, and each one is developed to appeal to various learning styles. LessonPathways.com provides unique Pathways in each of the core subjects: history, language arts, math, and science. Reading and phonics Pathways are provided for Years K through 2. You'll also find a Guided Jo urney for each core subject in Years K through 5. Each core Guided Journey lists 36 Pathways--one for each week of learning. To understand how this works, consider a textbook that has 36 chapters. Each Pathway of a Guided Journey is like a chapter in a book. <a href="http://www.lessonpathways.com/">http://www.lessonpathways.com/</a>   <a href="http://specialneedshomeschooling.com/">Special Needs Homeschooling</a> This site offers both general "getting started" resources as well as resources for those struggling with ADHD, autism, learning disorders, or a parent with special needs. <a href="http://specialneedshomeschooling.com/">http://specialneedshomeschooling.com/</a>     <a href="#contents">Back to the Table of Contents</a> <a name="sponsormid"></a> 5. <a href="http://www.americanheritage.org" title="Free social studies lesson plans">Free Social Studies Lesson Plans </a> (Our Sponsor) <table border="0" cellpadding="0"> <tr> <td> <a href="http://www.americanheritage.org" title="Free social studies lesson plans"><img border="0" id="_x0000_i1025" src="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/images/ad/americanheritageCurves220by200.gif"></a> </td> <td><a href="http://www.americanheritage.org" title="Free social studies lesson plans">America’s Heritage: An Adventure in Liberty</a> <ul type="disc"> <li>To help teach America’s factual, philosophical heritage, history, and founding principles.</li> <li>Utilized by homeschoolers, teachers, and schools in all 50 states to learn about America's goodness and greatness!</li> <li>Social studies, US history, US government, civics, economics, geography, reading, music, and related subjects.</li> <li>Over 91,000 CDs distributed to educators and over 1,400,000 received instruction on America's founding principles!</li> <li>Available at no cost to users for educational purposes! $150 value!</li> <li>Written by a team of professional educators over 3 years at a cost of $388,000.</li> <li>Meets all major national standards and guidelines and advanced testing guidelines.</li> <li>Tested and proven to raise social studies scores!</li> <li>Easy to use. No teacher training required! Award-winning design and presentation!</li> </ul> Download/order your free resource at <a href="http://www.americanheritage.org">www.americanheritage.org</a></td> </tr> </table> <a href="#contents">Back to the Table of Contents</a> <a name="seen_online"></a>6. Recently Seen Online <a href=http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/2010-02-25-senioryear25foronline_st_N.htm>More high-schoolers reinvent or skip their senior year</a> Could it be that the establishment is finally starting to get it? <a href=http://www.amazon.com/dp/0061706469/ref=nosim/&tag=thehomeschcom>Love in a Time of Homeschooling: A Mother and Daughter's Uncommon Year</a> New homeschooling book: After years of watching her eldest daughter, Julia, struggle in the highly regimented public school system, Laura Brodie - ignoring the skepticism of her husband, friends, and relatives - made the radical decision to teach her child at home for a year. The monotony of fill-in-the-blank history and math worksheets would be replaced with studying dinosaurs and dragons, some conversational French, violin lessons, and field trips to historical places, art museums, science fairs, bookstores, and concerts. Julia would have homework, but mostly it would be to write about what she'd experienced each day and to read to her heart's delight. "Love in a Time of Homeschooling" is the touching story of human foibles and human potential, in which love, anger, and hope, mingle with reading, math, and American history. Once the purview of Christian fundamentalist and bohemian parents, homeschooling is a growing trend among mainstream parents looking to address their children's short-term educational problems. Brodie gave her daughter a sabbatical to explore, learn, create, and grow - a year of independent research and writing to rejuvenate Julia's love of learning. Though the experiment was not easy, mother and daughter worked through their frustration and difficulties to forge an invaluable bond. Hers is a life lesson no parent should miss. <a href=http://parentatthehelm.com/1069/forbes-list-of-top-high-school-drop-out-millionaires/>Forbes' List of Top High School Drop-Out Millionaires</a> "'For all the new entrepreneurship programs popping up at business schools, there will always be a slew of born entrepreneurs who prove that high school diplomas, let alone fancy graduate degrees, might well be (barely) worth the paper they're printed on.' If you're homeschooling your kiddos, take heart. If you're thinking about homeschooling your kiddos, take a few minutes to visualize what life can be like for those who develop an early sense of purpose. Even the sky isn't a limit anymore." See more on <a href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/teacherslounge/seen_online/index.php">TheHomeSchoolMom.com</a> <a href="#contents">Back to the Table of Contents</a> <a name="article"></a>7. Article - Overwhelmed by Homeschooling and Life (Part 1) by Barbara Frank <table><tr><td><img src="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/images/frustratedmom.jpg" width="200"></td><td width="10"></td><td valign="top"> Lately I�m hearing from a lot of homeschool moms asking how to juggle homeschooling, homemaking and preschoolers without losing your mind. Maybe the popularity of this latest topic stems from the fact that it�s late winter, everyone�s been cooped up indoors for months and they�re sick of it. But juggling the kids, the house and homeschooling can be stressful; how well I know that from my own experience. </td></tr></table> Looking back on the days when I was running back and forth between the big kids, the little kids and the washing machine, I recall that it seemed that there was no solution to my problem. Some say the solution is to send the kids to school. But that wouldn�t work for me because I never considered putting any of my kids in school. It seemed to me that would be punishing them because I couldn�t hack it. I just felt that I wasn�t keeping up because I hadn�t yet figured out how to do this the right way. Of course, now I know there is no right way. You can usually find a way that will work for a while, but once you get used to things going better, something changes with your schedule, or your kids, or you get pregnant, and it�s all up in the air again. Ultimately, I found that there were several things I could do to help myself through the rough spots. First off, I prayed for guidance, regularly and often through tears. I mean, if God led our family to homeschooling (and I believed and still believe that He did) then He could surely teach me how to do it, right? Next, I asked my husband for ideas. The truth is that I wasn�t always as receptive to his ideas as I should have been, but he did come up with some good ones. For example, he�s the one who figured out what I could do when our 18-month old started taking apart the house while I sat nursing our newborn, who had a voracious appetite and went ballistic if I put him down so I could pull Miss Toddler off the curtains. My husband suggested buying some quiet activity-type toys that she could only use while sitting at the high chair during baby�s nursing time. This worked very well and helped get us all through that particularly frustrating period of time. I also found that I needed to think about our schedule, and what I could change to make our days run more smoothly. I also had to ask myself some tough questions, including: <ul> <li> Are we spending too much time on homeschooling, considering my kids� ages? </li> <li> Do we need to switch from a formal curriculum to something less structured? (Or, once in a while, do we need to add more structure to our day?) </li> <li> Are my preschoolers getting enough rest time? (Rest time, by the way, was the main reason I didn�t lose my marbles in the days when I had four kids under 10. Rest time was the successor to nap time, when everyone had to take a nap after lunch, thus giving us all a break from each other, giving me some much needed peace and quiet, and giving the kids some rest so they weren�t so keyed up later in the day, when Dad came home from work.) </li> <li> Do any of the kids need help with behavior issues, and am I being consistent with discipline? (This is another area where my husband was a huge help. We learned early on to present a united front to the kids, which really helped, especially once we had teens who liked to argue.)</li> </ul> Eventually, I realized that our life went through stages of working and not working. When things stopped working, I learned not to become depressed or freak out. Instead I had to look at what was happening and figure out what kind of changes I needed to make. This process continued the entire time we had kids at home, and it still continues. These days, with only two left at home and only one of them still being homeschooled, the problems have more to do with scheduling than behavior, although being menopausal, behavior is sometimes a problem with me. ;) So, if you�re wondering how you�re supposed to homeschool and make dinner and keep the toddlers off the window treatments, think about the changes you need to make at home so that things run more smoothly. Pray about it. Brainstorm with your husband. Come up with some new things to try, and be patient while you watch for results. And never forget that this too shall pass. Sooner than you can imagine, those kids that are driving you nuts will be grown and on their own, and you�ll be grappling with other questions, such as, where did all this gray in my hair come from? <a href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/teacherslounge/articles/overwhelmed_by_homeschooling_and_life_part2.php">Read Part 2 �</a> <hr> ©2010 Barbara Frank/ Cardamom Publishers Barbara Frank homeschooled three children to adulthood and continues to homeschool her youngest son. She�s the author of �Life Prep for Homeschooled Teenagers, �The Imperfect Homeschooler�s Guide to Homeschooling,� and �Homeschooling Your Teenagers,� as well as two upcoming books. You'll find her on the Web at <a href="http://www.cardamompublishers.com" title="Linkification: http://www.cardamompublishers.com">www.cardamompublishers.com</a> and <a href="http://barbarafrankonline.com" title="Linkification: http://barbarafrankonline.com">http://barbarafrankonline.com</a><a href="http://barbarafrankonline.com" title="Linkification: http://barbarafrankonline.com"></a>   <a href="#contents">Back to the Table of Contents</a> <h4 style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 100%; font-weight: bold; color: #000000; padding: 5px; font-style: normal; font-size: 120%"></h4> <h4 style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 100%; font-weight: bold; color: #000000; margin: 0px; padding: 5px; font-style: normal; font-size: 120%"> </h4> </div></td> </tr><tr><td colspan="2"> © 2010 TheHomeSchoolMom.Com Permission is granted to forward this newsletter in its entirety for non-commercial purposes. All other uses require permission from the Publisher. <div id="siteInfo" style="clear: both; border: 1px solid #cccc99; color: #333333; padding: 10px; text-align: left; margin-top: 20px"> <a href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/aboutus.php">About Us</a> | <a href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/sitemap.php">Site Map</a> | <a href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/advertise.php">Advertise</a> | <a href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/privacy.php">TOS & Privacy Policy</a> | <a href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/contact.php">Contact Us</a> | ©2000-2010 TheHomeSchoolMom.com</div> </td> </tr> </table>

Ready for a homeschool curriculum that your kids want to use?

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 23:04:00 GMT

<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td align="center"> This is sponsor update from TheHomeSchoolMom Please see the bottom of this mailing for subscription information. <a class="style5" target="_blank" href="http://www.time4learning.com/newsletters/sponsorships/HSM_Feb2010.htm?utm_source=HomeschoolMom&utm_medium=Dedicated+Email&utm_content=Feb2010+Fun+Curriculum+Dedicated&utm_campaign=HS+Mom+Dedicated+Email">Click Here if You Can't See the Images</a> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="600" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td width="600"> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="600" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td width="190" bgcolor="#cbfbfe"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.time4learning.com/program/main_index.html?utm_source=HomeschoolMom&utm_medium=Dedicated+Email&utm_content=Feb2010+Fun+Curriculum+Dedicated&utm_campaign=HS+Mom+Dedicated+Email"><img height="94" alt="Time4Learning.com0" width="190" border="0" src="http://www.time4learning.com/newsletters/images/hdr.jpg" /></a></td> <td valign="center" align="center" width="410" bgcolor="#cbfbfe">Ready for a homeschool curriculum that your kids want to use?</td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="2"> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="600" border="0"> <tbody> <tr bgcolor="#68E959"> <td width="600"><div align="right"><img src="http://www.time4learning.com/newsletters/images/bg_menu310px.jpg" width="412" height="26" /><a href="http://www.time4learning.com/program/main_index.html?utm_source=HomeschoolMom&utm_medium=Dedicated+Email&utm_content=Feb2010+Fun+Curriculum+Dedicated&utm_campaign=HS+Mom+Dedicated+Email"><img src="http://www.time4learning.com/newsletters/aweber/images/060209-04.jpg" width="75" height="26" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.time4learning.com/program/main_demos.html?utm_source=HomeschoolMom&utm_medium=Dedicated+Email&utm_content=Feb2010+Fun+Curriculum+Dedicated&utm_campaign=HS+Mom+Dedicated+Email"><img src="http://www.time4learning.com/newsletters/aweber/images/060209-05.jpg" width="113" height="26" border="0" /></a></div></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="2"><img height="14" alt="" width="600" src="http://www.time4learning.com/newsletters/images/hdr-02.jpg" /></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr> <td bgcolor="#ffffff"> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="600" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td width="14"><img height="20" alt="" width="14" src="http://www.time4learning.com/newsletters/images/sp.gif" /></td> <td width="585"> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="574" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="padding:0px 5px 5px 0px" width="300">Kids love the computer, so take advantage! Time4Learning combines the technology they love with the lessons they need to make learning fun. Time4Learning was selected as one of the "Top 100 Educational Websites" by Homeschool.com for the second year in a row. Their product testers like the combination of animated lessons, interactive activities and exercises because they bring language arts, math, science and social studies to life. Kids like that they can progress at their own pace. Parents find that the lesson plans and detailed reporting make record keeping simple. </td> <td style="padding:0px 0px 0px 0px" ><a href="http://www.time4learning.com/program/main_demos.html?utm_source=HomeschoolMom&utm_medium=Dedicated+Email&utm_content=Feb2010+Fun+Curriculum+Dedicated&utm_campaign=HS+Mom+Dedicated+Email"><img style="border-color:#FFFFFF " src="http://www.time4learning.com/newsletters/aweber/images/NL16.jpg" width="271" height="179" /></a></td> <tr> <td align="left" height="45"> <div align="right"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.time4learning.com/program/main_demos.html?utm_source=HomeschoolMom&utm_medium=Dedicated+Email&utm_content=Feb2010+Fun+Curriculum+Dedicated&utm_campaign=HS+Mom+Dedicated+Email"><img height="42" alt="" width="160" border="0" src="http://www.time4learning.com/newsletters/images/btn_sample_lessons.jpg"></a></div></td> <td style="font-size: 11px; color: #000000; line-height: 14px; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; padding: 10px 5pt" align="left"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.time4learning.com/program/main_demos.html?utm_source=HomeschoolMom&utm_medium=Dedicated+Email&utm_content=Feb2010+Fun+Curriculum+Dedicated&utm_campaign=HS+Mom+Dedicated+Email">Try Sample Lessons</a></td> </tr></tbody></table> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="560" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td colspan="3"> <img height="11" alt="" width="560" src="http://www.time4learning.com/newsletters/images/st-rep0701009-03.jpg" /></td></tr> <tr> <td width="10"><img style="width: 13px; height: 207px" src="http://www.time4learning.com/newsletters/images/st-rep0701009-04.jpg" /></td> <td style="padding:0px 0px 0px 10px" align="left" width="540" bgcolor="#fef7d3">Whether mainstream, gifted or special needs, Time4Learning offers preschool to eighth grade students a refreshing change from textbooks and workbooks. Members get access to: <ul style="font-weight: bold; font-size: 12px; line-height:14px; color: #4062a9; padding-top:0px; padding-bottom:0px; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif"> <li>Online curriculum for preschool to eighth grade</li> <li>Over 1,000 interactive animated lessons</li> <li>Math exercises and worksheets from the basics through algebra</li> <li>Language arts lessons from phonics through reading comprehension </li> <li>Three grade levels of curriculum for each available subject </li> <li>Automated reporting for easy record keeping</li> <li>Detailed lesson plans for parents</li> <li>Lessons correlated to state standards</li> </ul></td> <td width="10"><img style="width: 10px; height: 207px" src="http://www.time4learning.com/newsletters/images/st-rep0701009-05.jpg" /></td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="3"><img height="11" width="560" src="http://www.time4learning.com/newsletters/images/st-rep0701009-06.jpg" /></td></tr></tbody></table> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="560" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td align="left" width="560" height="34"> Time4Learning is entirely web based, so there is no software to download. Use it as a core curriculum, as part of an eclectic program or as an afterschool skill sharpener. There are no contracts and they offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee. <a href="http://www.time4learning.com/program/main_index.html?utm_source=HomeschoolMom&utm_medium=Dedicated+Email&utm_content=Feb2010+Fun+Curriculum+Dedicated&utm_campaign=HS+Mom+Dedicated+Email">Learn more</a>, <a href="http://www.time4learning.com/program/main_screenshots.html?utm_source=HomeschoolMom&utm_medium=Dedicated+Email&utm_content=Feb2010+Fun+Curriculum+Dedicated&utm_campaign=HS+Mom+Dedicated+Email">view screenshots</a> or <a href="http://www.time4learning.com/program/main_demos.html?utm_source=HomeschoolMom&utm_medium=Dedicated+Email&utm_conte nt=Feb2010+Fun+Curriculum+Dedicated&utm_campaign=HS+Mom+Dedicated+Email">try our sample lessons</a>. Time4Learning has helped tens of thousands of families. Why not yours? </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left" height="118" style="padding-bottom:10"><a href="http://www.time4learning.com/program/main_demos.html?utm_source=HomeschoolMom&utm_medium=Dedicated+Email&utm_content=Feb2010+Fun+Curriculum+Dedicated&utm_campaign=HS+Mom+Dedicated+Email"><img src="http://www.time4learning.com/program/images/screenshots_blue.gif" width="525" height="300" border="0" /></a> <img src="http://www.time4learning.com/newsletters/sponsorships/images/hr.gif" width="560" height="1" /> <div> <table width="419" border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tr> <td><a href="http://www.facebook.com/Time4Learning" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.time4learning.com/newsletters/images/fb-icon-left.jpg" alt="Visit us on Facebook" width="140" height="27" border="0" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://www.twitter.com/time4learning" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.time4learning.com/newsletters/sponsorships/images/sn-icon-03.jpg" alt="Follow us on Twitter" width="141" height="27" border="0" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/companies/time4learning.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.time4learning.com/newsletters/sponsorships/images/sn-icon-04.jpg" alt="Visit us on LinkedIn" width="138" height="27" border="0" /></a></td> </tr> </table></div></td> </tr></tbody></table> </td></tr> </tbody></table> </td> </tr></tbody></table> <table width="560" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td><div> <div align="center"><img alt="" src="http://www.time4learning.com/newsletters/images/nl_bottom_dropshadow.jpg" width="600" height="14" /></div> </div></td> </tr> </tbody> </table>

THSM :: Birds, Linguistics Download, Character Education, Dealing with Interruptions, and More

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 20:21:00 GMT

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background-color:#FFFFCC; border-top: 2px solid #FFFFFF; font-size: 12px"> <a style="display: block; padding: 5px; color: #000000; text-decoration: none" href="http://www.sitesforparents.com/perl/rankem.pcgi?id=butler">Sites for parents</A></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align: left; color: #FFFFFF; background-color:#FFFFCC; border-top: 2px solid #FFFFFF; font-size: 12px"> <a style="display: block; padding: 5px; color: #000000; text-decoration: none" href="http://www.sitesforteachers.com/cgi-bin/in.cgi?id=maryann">Sites for teachers</A></td></tr><tr> <td style="text-align: left; color: #FFFFFF; background-color:#FFFFCC; border-top: 2px solid #FFFFFF; font-size: 12px"> <a style="display: block; padding: 5px; color: #000000; text-decoration: none" href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/gettingorganized/planner.php#monthly">2010 Monthly Calendar </A> </td> </tr></table></td> <td valign="top" style="background-color:#FFFFFF"><div style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 10px; border: none; background-color: #FFFFFF; margin-right: 10px; margin-left: 15px; font-size:13px"> TheHomeSchoolMom's Free Homeschool Resources - February, 2010 Did someone forward this newsletter to you? <a href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/newsletter/">Get your own subscription here �</a> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/TheHomeSchoolMom"><img src="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/images/facebook.gif" style="float:left; text-decoration:none; padding-right: 15px" border="0" width="25">Become a fan of TheHomeSchoolMom on Facebook</a> I have no particular talent, I am merely extremely inquisitive.  --Albert Einstein <a name="contents"></a>~~~~Contents ~~~~ <ol> <li><a href="#editor"> From the Editor</a> </li> <li><a href="#updates">Website Updates</a> </li> <li><a href="#sponsortop">Time4Learning</a> (Our Sponsor) </li> <li><a href="#sites">Educational Resources </a> </li> <li><a href="#sponsormid">Busy Mom Menu </a> (Our Sponsor) </li> <li><a href="#seen_online">Recently Seen Online</a></li> <li><a href="#article">Article - Dealing with Daily Interruptions</a> by Charmaine Wistad</li> </ol> <a name="editor">1. From the Editor</a> Did you know that TheHomeSchoolMom has a great Facebook Fan Page? For more resources more often, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/TheHomeSchoolMom">become a fan</a>. Enjoy the newsletter! Warm regards, Mary Ann Kelley Editor <a href="#contents">Back to the Table of Contents</a> <a name="updates"></a>2. TheHomeSchoolMom.com Website Updates <ul> <li><a href=http://answermom.com/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi/archive/siteweek/20100127104425/>Site of the Week: Presidents Resource</a></li> <li><a href=http://answermom.com/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi/archive/thsm/20100104090749/>January Newsletter</a></li> <li><a href=http://answermom.com/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi/archive/siteweek/20100120122930/>Site of the Week: Thriving on Less</a></li> <li><a href=http://answermom.com/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi/archive/siteweek/20100113103151/>SOTW: Clickschooling</a></li> <li><a href=http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/schoolroom/famous_people/georgewashington.php>George Washington</a> </li> <li> <a href=http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/teacherslounge/articles/somanybooks.php>So Many Books - So Little Time</a> </li> <li><a href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/states/" title="Local homeschool support groups, classes, co-ops, conventions, and more">Local support and classes</a></li> </ul> Teaching Calendar <ul> <li><a href=http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/schoolroom/rocketry.php>Space Shuttle Columbia</a> - February 1 </li> <li><a href=http://www.groundhog.org/>Groundhog Day</a> - February 2 </li> <li><a href=http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/schoolroom/famous_people/rosaparks.php>Rosa Parks born</a> - February 4 </li> <li><a href=http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/schoolroom/littlehouse.php>Laura Inglalls Wilder</a> - February 7 </li></ul> <a href="#contents">Back to the Table of Contents</a> <a name="sponsortop"></a>3. <a href="http://www.time4learning.com/program/main_index.html?utm_source=HomeschoolMom&utm_medium=NL+Sponsorship&utm_content=Feb10+NL+Sponsorship&utm_campaign=HS+M" title="When was the last time you had to pry your kids away from their homeschool lessons? Time4Learning combines the technology they love with the lessons they need to make learning fun.">Time4Learning</a> (our sponsor) <table border="0" cellpadding="0"> <tr> <td width="183" valign="top"> <a href="http://www.time4learning.com/program/main_index.html?utm_source=HomeschoolMom&utm_medium=NL+Sponsorship&utm_content=Feb10+NL+Sponsorship&utm_campaign=HS+M" title="When was the last time you had to pry your kids away from their homeschool lessons? Time4Learning combines the technology they love with the lessons they need to make learning fun."><img alt="When was the last time you had to pry your kids away from their homeschool lessons? Time4Learning combines the technology they love with the lessons they need to make learning fun." src="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/images/ad/T4L_NewBanner_160x160.jpg" width="160" height="160" border="0"></a></td> <td width="413" valign="top"> When was the last time you had to pry your kids away from their homeschool lessons? Time4Learning combines the technology they love with the lessons they need to make learning fun. Voted to the Homeschool.com �Top 100 Websites� list for the second year in a row, the preschool - 8th grade curriculum includes 1000+ animated lessons, printable worksheets and graded activities for Language Arts and Math (including Algebra). Science and Social Studies are also available in most grade levels. </td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="2"><a href="http://www.time4learning.com/program/main_index.html?utm_source=HomeschoolMom&utm_medium=NL+Sponsorship&utm_content=Feb10+NL+Sponsorship&utm_campaign=HS+Mom+Resources+NL">Learn more</a>, view our <a href="http://www.time4learning.com/program/main_screenshots.html?utm_source=HomeschoolMom&utm_medium=NL+Sponsorship&utm_content=Feb10+NL+Sponsorship&utm_campaign=HS+Mom+Resources+NL">screenshots</a> or try our <a href="http://www.time4learning.com/program/main_demos.html?utm_source=HomeschoolMom&utm_medium=NL+Sponsorship&utm_content=Feb10+NL+Sponsorship&utm_campaign=HS+Mom+Resources+NL">lesson demos</a>. There are no contracts and we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee.</td> </tr> </table> <a href="#contents">Back to the Table of Contents</a> <a name="sites"></a>4. Educational Resources <a href="http://dogfoose.com/wordplay-cafe/">WordPlay Cafe Book Download </a> This free download for teachers is a PDF version of the published book (available at amazon.com). According to the author, Michael Kline, "It�s a fun, educational romp through the more common aspects of linguistics for kids, and was driven by my desire to not only present the humor in wordplay, but also explain how it works, so that kids may begin to build their own unique brand of phonetic fun." Downloadable for free in 5 parts. <a href="http://dogfoose.com/wordplay-cafe/">http://dogfoose.com/wordplay-cafe/</a>   <a href="http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc/gbbc-video10">Great Backyard Bird Count </a> The Great Backyard Bird Count begins this month! Those of you who are FB fans will have seen this already, but I wanted to let everyone know that February 12-15, 2010, is the week for this year's bird count. It's a great way to integrate nature studies into your homeschool. The <a href="http://download.cnet.com/Peterson-Field-Guide-to-Backyard-Birds/3000-18495_4-10916173.html">Peterson Field Guide</a> is a great iPhone app ($2.99) to help you identify birds. <a href="http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc/gbbc-video10">http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc/gbbc-video10</a>   <a href="http://www.howtoteachscience.com/products/freethingstodo.php">Things To Do Science Cards </a> Teresa Bondora at How To Teach Science has put together this PDF download with science "To Do" cards. Print them on cardstock and cut them out for a ready stack of hands on science ideas. <a href="http://www.howtoteachscience.com/products/freethingstodo.php">http://www.howtoteachscience.com/products/freethingstodo.php</a>   <a href="http://www.heroesofcharacter.org/teachers_lounge/educational_resources.aspx">Heroes of Character</a> The National Liberty Museum�s new four-part exhibition, called �Heroes of Character,�  is designed to inspire action and initiate a global dialogue about heroism and character in today�s society, speaking to young people using interactive technology. The exhibition asks students �What do you stand for?� through its four exhibits: What Should You Do, Thrift & Generosity Challenge, Laws of Life, and Follow In My Footsteps.  The new, permanent exhibition also features a companion website with materials specifically for teachers to use in the classroom, including a character education curriculum as well as other classroom activities and discussion guides relevant to the exhibition�s themes. <a href="http://www.heroesofcharacter.org/teachers_lounge/educational_resources.aspx">http://www.heroesofcharacter.org/teachers_lounge/educational_resources.aspx</a>     <a href="#contents">Back to the Table of Contents</a> <a name="sponsormid"></a> 5. <a href="http://www.menus4moms.com/amember/signup.php?price_group=1" title="Sign up for our weekly dinner menu plan">Busy Mom Menu</a> (our sponsor) <table border="0" cellpadding="0"> <tr><td colspan="2"> Tired and frustrated from trying to cut food costs? You can save time and money with one simple resource! </td></tr> <tr> <td width="140" valign="top"> <a href="http://www.menus4moms.com/amember/signup.php?price_group=1" title="Sign up for our weekly dinner menu plan"><img src="http://www.menus4moms.com/images/banners/120x90-3-frame-animation.gif" width="120" height="90" border="0"></a></td> <td width="456" valign="top">Based on the <a href="http://www.menus4moms.com/kitchen/busycooks.php">Secrets of a Busy Cook</a>, these menus also include our exclusive healthy Meal Makeovers, nutritional data and points*, and the recipes and grocery list will be included in the emailed PDF file so you do not have to visit the website each week. <a href="http://www.menus4moms.com/pdf/sample_busy_mom.pdf" title="Free sample Premium Weekly Menu" target="_blank">Download a sample Busy Mom Menu»</a> </td> </tr><tr><td colspan="2"> <a href="http://www.menus4moms.com/pdf/sample_busy_mom.pdf">Download a sample menu</a>, <a href="http://www.menus4moms.com/store/busymommenu.php" title="The Busy Mom Menu saves time and money; we do the menu planning so you don't have to!">learn more</a> or <a href="http://www.menus4moms.com/amember/signup.php?price_group=1" title="Sign up for our weekly dinner menu plan">sign up</a> for the Busy Mom Menu now. We guarantee that you will be satisfied or we will refund your first month, no questions asked.</td></tr> </table> <a href="#contents">Back to the Table of Contents</a> <a name="seen_online"></a>6. Recently Seen Online <a href=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/lake/os-lk-homeschool-012410-20100123,0,3598549.story>Bad economy may be fueling homeschooling trend</a> "Earlier this month, Lake had 1,508 registered homeschool students - up from 1,245 last January, said Jay Marshall, who oversees the school district's department of student services, which monitors homeschool numbers for the state... No one has studied the recent trend, which has hit school districts nationwide. Education leaders have said the trend is likely fueled by economics. In these tight financial times, a lot of parents can't afford private schools anymore. But they don't want their kids in public schools, so they're homeschooling them." <a href=http://eligerzon.com/traveltours.php>Eli Gerzon's World Travel Tours</a> Eli Gerzon is a grown homeschooler who leads Worldschool Travel Tours especially for homeschooling/unschooling young adults. Worldschool Travel Tours are always in small groups and are designed so participants can experience cultures more intimately than most travel tours. <a href=http://www.sltrib.com/valleywest/ci_14090244>Utah boy is chess National Master</a> "The next Bobby Fischer is living on a quiet street in West Jordan, says Damian Nash, a U.S. Chess Federation senior tournament director. Utah's own chess phenom is Kayden Troff, and in many ways, he's a normal 11-year-old boy. He loves to swim, go sledding and play video games. He's also the No. 1 chess player in the world in his age group (11 and younger), according to the World Chess Federation, a gold medal winner at the 2009 North American Youth Championship and a member of the 2010 All-America Team." <a href=http://parentatthehelm.com/431/the-politics-of-homeschooling-by-mary-mccarthy/>The Politics of Homeschooling by Mary McCarthy</a> "Homeschooling was not always as political as it is today... In the process of changing attitudes, homeschoolers became identified with politics. This altered perspective was bolstered in 1983 by Home School Legal Defense Association, a self-appointed homeschool lobby that has been representing an unknown number of paying members since then... Advertising their services and homeschooling to the general public via surveys and public relations, homeschooling families are portrayed in a specific way..." See more on <a href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/teacherslounge/seen_online/index.php">TheHomeSchoolMom.com</a> <a href="#contents">Back to the Table of Contents</a> <a name="article"></a>7. Article - Dealing with Daily Interruptions by Charmaine Wistad Interruptions in our school day � are they simply a fact of life that we have to put up with or are there things we can do to control them?  I believe the answer for both questions is: �yes�.  In many ways, interruptions are just a fact of life: the baby gets sick, the insurance man stops by or a glass of juice gets spilled.  These kinds of interruptions are usually unavoidable.  However, there are many interruptions in our day that can be avoided.  Let�s look at some of them � along with some possible solutions. Perhaps one of the biggest interruptions is the telephone. For this interruption, answering machines and Caller I.D. can be very helpful, making it possible to only answer the most critical calls.  If friends or relatives are calling, explain to them that you will not be available during certain times of the day and ask them not to call during those times.  The goal is to set appropriate limits, not to become totally isolated. Lack of a schedule in the homeschool can also bring many unwanted interruptions. Don�t be afraid to set goals for the day and stick to them.  In order to stay on task and accomplish our goals for each day, I had to think of that time in the same way I would an outside job.  If I were working an outside job, I wouldn�t be using my time at work to talk on the phone with friends, go to non-related meetings and appointments or do household chores or crafts. In the same way, during the hours that I had scheduled for school time, I did not allow for time with friends and relatives, appointments, meetings or housework � unless it was directly related to our school goals. Some interruptions can be used in a positive way to build character in your children.  For instance, dealing with toddlers and preschoolers, while teaching the older ones, will bring many character building opportunities. The toddlers and preschoolers can learn that certain behavior is expected at certain times and that they need to wait their turn, not interrupt and sit or play quietly for a period of time.  Likewise, the older children can learn to cultivate patience and the ability to stay on task � even with some interruptions. Neither of these will happen overnight and will take training from you � but they are worth the effort Here are some tips  for dealing with infants, toddlers and preschoolers while you teach the older ones: <ul> <li>Baby�s nap time is a good time to focus on older students. Adjust the school schedule to take advantage of nap times.</li> <li>Set aside special �school� toys that the toddler or preschooler is allowed to play with only during school time.</li> <li>Find something similar to what the older children are doing for the little ones to do at the same time.  For instance, if the older children are writing, give the little ones paper, crayons and an �assignment�.  If it�s math time, give the little ones their own manipulatives to sort, count and stack.</li> <li>Have older children take turns reading or playing with the younger ones so that you can direct your attention elsewhere for a time.</li> <li>Invest in some good audio story CDs (or get them from your library) and use them to occupy the toddlers and preschoolers for 15 to 30 minutes at a time.</li> </ul> Let�s face it; there will be interruptions during school days.  Some you can control (the phone) and others you can�t (a sick child).  Try to look at interruptions as opportunities to teach and model �real life� for your children.  Handling interruptions with flexibility, as well as the ability to stay on task in spite of them, will teach your children important lessons for their lives well beyond their school years. <hr>Charmaine Wistad has successfully homeschooled her own two children from pre-school through high school. Now she is turning her attention toward helping other homeschool moms. Through personal coaching, Charmaine helps homeschooling moms thrive� not just survive! <a href="http://www.victorycoaching.citymax.com/" target="_blank">Visit her website</a> to try a complimentary no-obligation telephone coaching session. Source: <a href="http://www.homeschool-articles.com/dealing-with-daily-interruptions/">http://www.homeschool-articles.com/</a><a href="http://www.homeschool-articles.com/dealing-with-daily-interruptions/"></a> <a href="#contents">Back to the Table of Contents</a> <h4 style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 100%; font-weight: bold; color: #000000; padding: 5px; font-style: normal; font-size: 120%"></h4> <h4 style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 100%; font-weight: bold; color: #000000; margin: 0px; padding: 5px; font-style: normal; font-size: 120%"> </h4> </div></td> </tr><tr><td colspan="2"> © 2010 TheHomeSchoolMom.Com Permission is granted to forward this newsletter in its entirety for non-commercial purposes. All other uses require permission from the Publisher. <div id="siteInfo" style="clear: both; border: 1px solid #cccc99; color: #333333; padding: 10px; text-align: left; margin-top: 20px"> <a href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/aboutus.php">About Us</a> | <a href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/sitemap.php">Site Map</a> | <a href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/advertise.php">Advertise</a> | <a href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/privacy.php">TOS & Privacy Policy</a> | <a href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/contact.php">Contact Us</a> | ©2000-2010 TheHomeSchoolMom.com</div> </td> </tr> </table>

Upper Level Homeschool Half Price When You Split With a Friend - Special BOGO Offer Ends Jan. 31!

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 15:16:00 GMT

<div style="padding: 0; border: 0px none"> <table border="0" width="700px" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:13px"> <tr> <td valign="top" colspan="2"> <div style="padding: 10px; "> <center><a href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/links/index.php?id=homeschoolhighschool" title="Upper Level Homeschool Help"><img src="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/images/ad/upper_level_hs_600x140.jpg" border="0"></a></center> Special bonus Bring a Friend for Free offer ends Jan. 31! See below for details.  <a href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/links/index.php?id=homeschoolhighschool" title="Homeschooling High School">Do you have a student approaching or already IN high school at your house? </a> <table border="0" cellpadding="10" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:13px"> <tr> <td width="215" valign="top"> <a href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/links/index.php?id=homeschoolhighschool" title="Upper Level Homeschool Help"><img border="0" width="215" height="215" id="_x0000_i1025" src="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/images/ad/kq_hhs_215.jpg"></a> </td> <td width="532" style="text-align:left">Are the high school years approaching in your home? I encourage you to stop, take a deep breath, and consider the possibility that homeschooling your high schooler might be a tremendous boon for you, your student and your whole family. Homeschooling high school is an exciting and scary proposition. You want to turn out a successfully educated and prepared adult at the conclusion of four years of high school, but maybe you feel unprepared or lack confidence that you have the tools and resources necessary to get the job done. Join the Upper Level Homeschool class and get 13 weeks of step-by-step instruction - all the information and resources necessary to teach your high school level student - delivered straight to your email box!</td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="2" style="text-align:left">Testimonial: I have been so overwhelmed and burdened about [my son's] High School stuff and just needed someone to point the way. Someone who had already figured it out and all I need to do is follow. Thank you so much for investing your time and talents and making your Quest for Knowledge available to the rest of us. I'm actually excited about school again and I was toying with giving up and throwing them in public, which is the last thing I want to do. Bless YOU!! - Erin in AK <table border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:13px"> <tr> <td colspan="2">The <a href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/links/index.php?id=homeschoolhighschool" title="How to homeschool high school">Upper Level Homeschool course</a> teaches you how to prepare your teen for college and adult life. In the course, you will... </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top"><ul type="disc"> <li>Help your teen plan a 4 year course of study </li> </ul> <ul type="disc"> <li>Understand what constitutes a course for high school credit </li> </ul> <ul type="disc"> <li>Learn how to record and maintain a transcript </li> </ul> <ul type="disc"> <li>Find out how to impart good study habits to your teen </li> </ul> <ul type="disc"> <li>Learn how to outsource difficult subjects </li> </ul></td> <td valign="top"><ul type="disc"> <li>Make the most of every opportunity </li> </ul> <ul type="disc"> <li>Help your teen to prepare for achievement tests (SAT/ACT) </li> </ul> <ul type="disc"> <li>Find out how to apply to colleges and for financial aid </li> </ul> <ul> <li>Learn how to raise the bar and get more from your homeschooled teen </li> </ul> <ul type="disc"> <li>And much more! </li> </ul></td> </tr> </table>   Most weeks the lessons will also include hyperlinks, worksheets and even curriculum samples for you to use. Limited Time Bonus Offer: <blockquote> If you order either the <a href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/links/index.php?id=homeschoolhighschool" title="How to homeschool high school">Upper Level Homeschool course</a> or <a href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/links/index.php?id=abcs">Homeschooling ABCs</a> by January 31, you get an extra copy of the course for a friend for free! In fact, the two of you might decide to split the costs so that you each receive a half-price membership!  Send Terri the name and email address of your friend after you have signed up for class.In addition to the bonuses always offered, for the month of January 2010, Terri is throwing in a set of American history maps.  From the Viking discovery of North America to the war in Iraq, The Shaping of a Nation ebook contains 31 historical maps plus 31 unlabeled maps with lesson plans as well as 50 state maps with pertinent facts for each. Includes an 11x17 unlabeled map of the United States. Offers end January 31, so order now: <a href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/links/index.php?id=homeschoolhighschool">http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/links/index.php?id=homeschoolhighschool</a> </blockquote> <a href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/links/index.php?id=homeschoolhighschool" title="How to homeschool high school">Upper Level Homeschool course »</a> <a href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/links/index.php?id=abcs">Homeschooling ABCs »</a> </td> </tr> </table> </div> </td> </tr> </table> </div>

THSM :: Reevaluating, Getting Organized, Upper Level Math, Science Seminars, and more

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 14:07:00 GMT

<STYLE type="text/css">body { font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-decoration: none; color: #333333; line-height: 1.166; margin: 0px; padding: 10px; font-size: 12px} </style> <table width="820" cellpadding="0" border="0"><tr><td colspan="2"><table width="100%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" height="120" style="background-color:#FFFFCC "> <td width="310" style="background-color:#FFFFCC" height="140"><img src="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/images/masthead_nl.gif" alt="TheHomeSchoolMom.com" border="0"></a></td> <td valign="middle" style="background-color:#FFFFCC"><div id="globalNav" style="clear:both; text-align:right; padding: 20px; font-size:13px"> <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/" title="Bringing you the best free homeschool resources">Home</a> | <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/newsletter/" title="Free monthly homeschool newsletter from TheHomeSchoolMom">Newsletters</a> | <a style="color: #990033; 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color: #FFFFFF; background-color:#FCF57C "><h3 style="margin: 0; padding: 10px; color: #000000; background-color: #FCF57C">Homeschool resource links </h3></td></tr> <tr><td style="text-align: left; color: #FFFFFF; background-color:#FFFFCC; font-size: 12px"> <a style="display: block; padding: 5px; color: #000000; text-decoration: none" href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/free_spanish_lessons.php">Online Spanish lessons</A> </td></tr><tr><td style="text-align: left; color: #FFFFFF; background-color:#FFFFCC; border-top: 2px solid #FFFFFF; font-size: 12px"> <a style="display: block; padding: 5px; color: #000000; text-decoration: none" href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/gettingorganized/planner.php">Homeschool planner</A></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align: left; color: #FFFFFF; background-color:#FFFFCC; border-top: 2px solid #FFFFFF; font-size: 12px"> <a style="display: block; padding: 5px; color: #000000; text-decoration: none" href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/teacherslounge/freebies.php" title="Homeschool freebies">Homeschool freebies</A></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align: left; 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color: #FFFFFF; background-color:#FCF57C "><h3 style="margin: 0; padding: 10px; color: #000000; background-color: #FCF57C">Homeschool resource links </h3></td></tr> <tr><td style="text-align: left; color: #FFFFFF; background-color:#FFFFCC; font-size: 12px "> <a style="display: block; padding: 5px; color: #000000; text-decoration: none" href="http://www.menus4moms.com/">Weekly dinner menus</A></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align: left; color: #FFFFFF; background-color:#FFFFCC; border-top: 2px solid #FFFFFF; font-size: 12px"> <a style="display: block; padding: 5px; color: #000000; text-decoration: none" href="http://www.menus4moms.com/articles/">Cooking articles</A></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align: left; color: #FFFFFF; background-color:#FFFFCC; border-top: 2px solid #FFFFFF; font-size: 12px"> <a style="display: block; padding: 5px; color: #000000; text-decoration: none" href="http://www.menus4moms.com/lunch/lunch.php">Lunch ideas</A></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align: left; color: #FFFFFF; background-color:#FFFFCC; border-top: 2px solid #FFFFFF; font-size: 12px"> <a style="display: block; padding: 5px; color: #000000; text-decoration: none" href="http://www.sitesforparents.com/perl/rankem.pcgi?id=butler">Sites for parents</A></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align: left; color: #FFFFFF; background-color:#FFFFCC; border-top: 2px solid #FFFFFF; font-size: 12px"> <a style="display: block; padding: 5px; color: #000000; text-decoration: none" href="http://www.sitesforteachers.com/cgi-bin/in.cgi?id=maryann">Sites for teachers</A></td></tr><tr> <td style="text-align: left; color: #FFFFFF; background-color:#FFFFCC; border-top: 2px solid #FFFFFF; font-size: 12px"> <a style="display: block; padding: 5px; color: #000000; text-decoration: none" href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/gettingorganized/planner.php#monthly">2010 Monthly Calendar </A> </td> </tr></table></td> <td valign="top" style="background-color:#FFFFFF"><div style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 10px; border: none; background-color: #FFFFFF; margin-right: 10px; margin-left: 15px; font-size:13px"> TheHomeSchoolMom's Free Homeschool Resources - January, 2010 <a href="http://www.facebook.com/TheHomeSchoolMom"><img src="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/images/facebook.gif" style="float:left; text-decoration:none; padding-right: 15px" border="0" width="25">Become a fan of TheHomeSchoolMom on Facebook</a> <a name="contents"></a>~~~~Contents ~~~~ <ol> <li><a href="#editor"> From the Editor</a> </li> <li><a href="#updates">Website Updates</a> </li> <li><a href="#sponsortop">Homeschool Science Academy</a> (Our Sponsor) </li> <li><a href="#sites">Educational Resources </a> </li> <li><a href="#sponsormid">Work At Home United </a> (Our Sponsor) </li> <li><a href="#seen_online">Recently Seen Online</a></li> <li><a href="#article">Article - When Your Perfect Homeschool Plan Isn�t Going So Perfectly</a> by Charmaine Wistad</li> </ol> <a href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/newsletter/">Subscribe to this newsletter</a> <a name="editor">1. From the Editor</a> Here in Virginia we had a record snowfall just before Christmas and it was nice to be snowed in for a couple of days to escape all the usual busyness of the season. The roads were clear in time to take care of last minute purchases, but the quiet beauty of the snowfall was wonderful to enjoy for a few days. Now that January is here, it is time for renewing focus on home and school, getting organized, evaluating progress, and moving forward with the school year. I hope the resources in the newsletter this month will help you to accomplish that, but first I'd like to let you know about a couple of limited time special offers that can help you get organized at home. Was 2009 a year in which you found yourself unprepared for dinner at 5pm, wondering what you could possibly throw together quickly? It is so easy in the midst of school and activities to let dinner planning slide. To help you start out right in 2010, we would like to help you get organized in the kitchen! You probably are aware the Menus4Moms is a partner site to TheHomeSchoolMom, and our Busy Mom Menu is very popular among homeschool moms. Each menu plan includes recipes with color photographs, grocery lists, nutrition data including dietary exchanges, meal makeovers and periodic bonuses. The Busy Mom Menu can turn a frazzled homeschool mom into an organized cook. Listen to what Dawn has to say about Menus4Moms: <blockquote> I have tried other menu planning systems and have never found anything else that works for us the way menus4moms does.We love the recipes and love the common sense approach to using leftovers and freezer cooking. I recommend the site to EVERYONE! </blockquote> For a limited time, <a href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/links/index.php?id=busymom">you can try the Busy Mom Menu for a whole month for only a penny</a> . We have never offered a full month trial period before and this offer will not last long! (Before you decide, be sure to check out the Living on a Dime offer and our special bonus offer below.) Another way I hope to help is this great offer: I got together with Tawra from LivingOnADime.com and we set up a special deal to get her Dining On A Dime and Dig Out of Debt e-books. Until midnight on Thursday, January 7th, you can get Dining On A Dime e-Cookbook and Dig Out of Debt e-book for 70% OFF (yes, you read that right) along with 5 bonus ebooks from Living on a Dime. We're holding this special sale as a way of saying thank you for being a subscriber and to try to encourage you on your goals for the New Year. If you have a goal to start eating better, get out of debt, save money or get your home in order, you won't want to miss this fantastic sale! Here's where you can grab your copies and save 70%: <a href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/links/index.php?id=lod70">http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/links/index.php?id=lod70</a> ~ Special Bonus Offer ~ If you take advantage of both of these great offers before Thursday, January 7, I will throw in 2 wonderful bonuses for you: Frugal Mom's Guide to Once a Month Cooking and Menus4Moms' Bulk Cooking for the Freezer: Ground Beef! All you have to do is email me and let me know that you took advantage of both offers and I will provide you with a download link to both ebooks. I hope you enjoy the newsletter and that 2010 is your best year yet! Warm regards, Mary Ann Kelley Editor <a href="#contents">Back to the Table of Contents</a> <a name="updates"></a>2. TheHomeSchoolMom.com Website Updates <ul> <li><a href=http://answermom.com/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi/archive/thsm/20091202170002/>December newsletter</a></li> <li><a href=http://answermom.com/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi/archive/siteweek/20091216105720/>SOTW: Christmas Notebooking Pages</a></li> <li><a href=http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/schoolroom/inauguration_day.php>Inauguration Day</a> </li> <li><a href=http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/schoolroom/famous_people/louisbraille.php>Louis Braille</a> </li> <li><a href=http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/schoolroom/emancipation_proclamation.php>Emancipation Proclamation</a> </li> <li><a href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/states/" title="Local homeschool support groups, classes, co-ops, conventions, and more">Local support and classes</a></li> </ul> Teaching Calendar <ul> <li><a href=http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/schoolroom/presidents.php>First US Presidential Election - 1789</a> - January 7 </li> <li><a href=http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/schoolroom/mlkjr.php>MLK, Jr. Day</a> - January 18 </li> <li><a href=http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/schoolroom/handwriting.php>National Handwriting Day</a> - January 23 </li></ul> <a href="#contents">Back to the Table of Contents</a> <a name="sponsortop"></a>3. <a href="http://www.HomeschoolScienceAcademy.com">Homeschool Science Academy</a> (our sponsor) <table border="0" cellpadding="0"> <tr> <td width="192" valign="top"><a href="http://www.HomeschoolScienceAcademy.com" title="Online Science Classes"><img src="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/images/ad/hsa_screenshots_150.jpg" width="150" border="0" ></a></td> <td width="434" valign="top"> Unique Online Science Classes Begin Mid-January    => Young Scientist Anatomy & Physiology (4th-6th Grade)    => Pre-Chemistry (6th-9th Grade)    => Anatomy & Physiology (9th-12th Grade)    => CLEP / ACT Science Prep (10th-12th Grade)    => Forensic Anatomy (8th-12th Grade) Summer Anatomy & Physiology Camp in North Carolina! Free Online Seminar: "Top 10 Homeschooling Mistakes" ===> Please Visit Our Site For Details.. <a href="http://www.HomeschoolScienceAcademy.com">http://www.HomeschoolScienceAcademy.com</a></td> </tr> </table> <a href="#contents">Back to the Table of Contents</a> <a name="sites"></a>4. Educational Resources <a href="http://www.notebookingpages.com/index.php?page=hsmom-janfreebie">Winter Pages for Mom's Home Journal </a> Debra at NotebookingPages.com put together this group of freebies for her newsletter subscribers and has given me a special link to allow me to share it with my subscribers. It's a great sampler pack of pages for your home organization journal, including calendar, to do, and meal pages among others. <a href="http://www.notebookingpages.com/index.php?page=hsmom-janfreebie">http://www.notebookingpages.com/index.php?page=hsmom-janfreebie</a>   <a href="http://spottybanana.com/2009/06/10/10-reasons-why-homeschoolers-should-ditch-grade-level-assignment-by-age/">Ditching Grade Levels by Age </a> Grade level assignments by age make it easy for public schools to teach children while keeping them safe. After all, classrooms have large numbers of children in them. Homeschoolers, however, have the luxury of choosing who they teach, how they teach and what they teach! Other than the fact that a grade level by age curriculum is easier on mom or dad, is there really a compelling reason to stick with this regime? Here are 10 reasons why homeschoolers should ditch grade level assignment by age. <a href="http://spottybanana.com/2009/06/10/10-reasons-why-homeschoolers-should-ditch-grade-level-assignment-by-age/">http://spottybanana.com/2009/06/10/10-reasons-why-homeschoolers-should-ditch-grade-level-assignment-by-age/</a>   <a href="http://www.bagatrix.com/tools.htm">Bagatrix Algebra, Trig, and Calculus Problem Solvers </a> Enter your own math problems and check your answers using their free online solving websites. <a href="http://www.bagatrix.com/tools.htm">http://www.bagatrix.com/tools.htm</a>   <a href="http://brainrules.net/">12 Brain Rules </a> "The brain is an amazing thing. Most of us have no idea what�s really going on inside our heads. Yet brain scientists have uncovered details every business leader, parent, and teacher should know... Brain Rules is about what we know for sure, and what we might do about it." Even without the Brain Rules book, this is an informative list of the 12 Brain Rules and information about each that can help you take advantage of them. <a href="http://brainrules.net/">http://brainrules.net/</a>     <a href="#contents">Back to the Table of Contents</a> <a name="sponsormid"></a> 5. <a href="http://www.Home4Kids.com">Work At Home United </a> (Our Sponsor) <table border="0" cellpadding="10"> <tr> <td> <a href="http://www.home4kids.com/"><img src="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/images/ad/wahu150x150static.jpg" width="150" height="150" border="0"></a> </td> <td>Work At Home and create your own hours and income! <ul> <li> No Selling, No Inventory, No Home Parties, No Risk</li> <li> Unlimited Free Support and Resources, including</li> <li> Free Websites for Marketing, Free Tools, and Free Support.</li> <li> Ideal for Home School Parents in need of extra income</li> </ul> Request More Information: <a href="http://www.home4kids.com/">http://www.Home4Kids.com</a> </td> </tr> </table> <a href="#contents">Back to the Table of Contents</a> <a name="seen_online"></a>6. Recently Seen Online <a href=http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/31/business/smallbusiness/31toys.html?_r=1>Burden of Safety Law Imperils Small Toymakers </a> For 35 years, William John Woods has made wooden toys for children. Each one of the 2,000 or so he makes each year passes through his hands at his shop in Ogunquit, Maine, and no child, he said, has ever been hurt by one of his small boats, cars, helicopters or rattles. William John Woods owns Ogunquit Wooden Toy, which makes handcrafted wood planes and cars. He and other small toymakers are complaining about new federal safety regulations for toys. But now he and others like him - makers of small toys and owners of toy resale shops and boutique stores - say their livelihood is being threatened by federal legislation enacted in the last year to protect children from toxic toys through more extensive testing. <a href=http://www.oregonlive.com/performance/index.ssf/2009/12/at_11_portlands_michael_kepler.html>At 11, Portland's Michael Kepler Meo already has a date with Houston Grand Opera</a> "At 11, Mike already is getting big parts. Last winter, he sang the role of Miles in Portland Opera's compelling production of 'The Turn of the Screw.' Miles is a key role in Benjamin Britten's cryptic tale of unspecified abuse of a young brother and sister in a rural English manor, and Mike mastered the difficult music with a mature performance. 'He's a natural on the stage,' says Rob Ainsley, who coached him for the production. Ainsley, Portland Opera's chorus master and principal coach, was a boy soprano himself when he was growing up in Durham, England... Each weekday before lunch, Mike, who is homeschooled, practices piano, guitar and voice for an hour and 45 minutes." See more on <a href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/teacherslounge/seen_online/index.php">TheHomeSchoolMom.com</a> <a href="#contents">Back to the Table of Contents</a> <a name="article"></a>7. Article - When Your Perfect Homeschool Plan Isn�t Going So Perfectly by Charmaine Wistad Most of us start the school year with great plans and high hopes but it often doesn�t take very long to realize that we just don�t live in a perfect homeschooling world. Are any of the following true for you? <ul> <li>Your children don�t like the curriculum.</li> <li>You don�t like the curriculum.</li> <li>Your meticulous scheduling isn�t working out very well.</li> <li>There are too many interruptions during the day.</li> <li>You�re already feeling isolated and cooped up.</li> <li>The house is getting messier by the moment.</li> <li>You are irritable and overreacting to minor issues.</li> </ul> If you see yourself in any (or all!) of the above scenarios, don�t despair. Read on for some ideas to help you move beyond these road blocks. <ol> <li>Be flexible. If something isn�t working, be willing to try something different. If there are tears or tensions on either side, put aside whatever you are working on and take a breather.  Try playing a game, reading aloud from a funny book or going to the park. Remember why you are homeschooling!  This is a whole-life experience and if you stop for one day it is not going to ruin any child�s life. </li> <li>Limit scheduled activities. When the schedule starts feeling overwhelmingly full, you have the power to control it. Homeschool moms have a tendency to schedule way too many activities both inside and outside the home. Look over your schedule carefully and decide what is really necessary.  Say no to the �good things� so you can say yes to the �great things.� </li> <li>Get support. Get Dad involved (but you�re going to have to TELL him that you need his support and help; he�s not likely to just pick up on it).  Join and attend your local Homeschool Support Group. No group in your area? Join an on-line support group or a telephone support group.  YahooGroups.com has many homeschool related email groups. Hire a Life Coach who specializes in helping homeschool moms. </li> <li>Change your teaching style or curriculum. If the curriculum isn�t working, give yourself permission to stop using it. Mary Pride suggests asking yourself: �Am I overdoing it? Am I making simple subjects too fancy? What can I eliminate?  Do I need to be doing this at all?  Is my child not ready for this subject?  Should I give it a rest?  Are there other worthwhile things we would like to study or do and come back to this later?� </li> <li>Engage everyone in the household chores. Don�t do everything yourself!  Take time every day to train the children to pick up their rooms, do simple chores and keep the house in a general state of order.  It is well worth the time and energy it takes to get this part of your homeschool life organized.</li> </ol> When motherhood, homeschooling or life in general is overwhelming, stop and simplify.  So often when we see problems in our life, our tendency is to try and do a major overhaul.  Take some good advice from Charlotte Mason: implement only one new habit or idea at a time. With focus, diligence and consistency you will soon see improvement in this one area and you will not feel overwhelmed by trying to change too many things at once.  When the new habit is solid in your life, go ahead and move on to another one�.but JUST ONE. Success in changing habits depends on setting one small goal at a time and achieving it. <hr> Charmaine Wistad has successfully homeschooled her own two children from pre-school through high school.  Now she is turning her attention toward helping other homeschool moms. Through personal coaching, Charmaine helps homeschooling moms thrive� not just survive! <a href="http://www.victorycoaching.citymax.com/" target="_blank">Visit her website</a> to try a complimentary no-obligation telephone coaching session. Source: <a href="http://www.homeschool-articles.com/when-your-perfect-homeschool-plan-isn%e2%80%99t-going-so-perfectly/">http://www.homeschool-articles.com/</a><a href="http://www.homeschool-articles.com/when-your-perfect-homeschool-plan-isn%e2%80%99t-going-so-perfectly/"></a> <a href="#contents">Back to the Table of Contents</a> <h4 style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 100%; font-weight: bold; color: #000000; padding: 5px; font-style: normal; font-size: 120%"></h4> <h4 style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 100%; font-weight: bold; color: #000000; margin: 0px; padding: 5px; font-style: normal; font-size: 120%"> </h4> </div></td> </tr><tr><td colspan="2"> © 2010 TheHomeSchoolMom.Com Permission is granted to forward this newsletter in its entirety for non-commercial purposes. All other uses require permission from the Publisher. <div id="siteInfo" style="clear: both; border: 1px solid #cccc99; font-size: 90%; color: #333333; padding: 10px; text-align: left; margin-top: 20px"> <a href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/aboutus.php">About Us</a> | <a href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/sitemap.php">Site Map</a> | <a href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/advertise.php">Advertise</a> | <a href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/privacy.php">TOS & Privacy Policy</a> | <a href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/contact.php">Contact Us</a> | ©2000-2010 TheHomeSchoolMom.com</div> </td> </tr> </table>

THSM :: Stretch-A-Book, Savings Quest, Storytelling, and more

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 22:00:00 GMT

THSM :: How to Homeschool, Genetics, Shipwrecks, Amelia Earhart, and more

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:18:00 GMT

<STYLE type="text/css">body { font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-decoration: none; color: #333333; line-height: 1.166; margin: 0px; padding: 10px; font-size: 12px} </style> <table width="820" cellpadding="0" border="0"><tr><td colspan="2"><table width="100%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" height="120" style="background-color:#FFFFCC "> <td width="310" style="background-color:#FFFFCC" height="140"><img src="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/images/masthead_nl.gif" alt="TheHomeSchoolMom.com" border="0"></a></td> <td valign="middle" style="background-color:#FFFFCC"><div id="globalNav" style="clear:both; text-align:right; padding: 20px; font-size:13px"> <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/" title="Bringing you the best free homeschool resources">Home</a> | <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/newsletter/" title="Free monthly homeschool newsletter from TheHomeSchoolMom">Newsletters</a> | <a style="color: #990033; 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color: #FFFFFF; background-color:#FCF57C "><h3 style="margin: 0; padding: 10px; color: #000000; background-color: #FCF57C">Homeschool resource links </h3></td></tr> <tr><td style="text-align: left; color: #FFFFFF; background-color:#FFFFCC; font-size: 12px"> <a style="display: block; padding: 5px; color: #000000; text-decoration: none" href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/free_spanish_lessons.php">Online Spanish lessons</A> </td></tr><tr><td style="text-align: left; color: #FFFFFF; background-color:#FFFFCC; border-top: 2px solid #FFFFFF; font-size: 12px"> <a style="display: block; padding: 5px; color: #000000; text-decoration: none" href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/gettingorganized/planner.php">Homeschool planner</A></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align: left; color: #FFFFFF; background-color:#FFFFCC; border-top: 2px solid #FFFFFF; font-size: 12px"> <a style="display: block; padding: 5px; color: #000000; text-decoration: none" href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/teacherslounge/freebies.php" title="Homeschool freebies">Homeschool freebies</A></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align: left; 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color: #FFFFFF; background-color:#FCF57C "><h3 style="margin: 0; padding: 10px; color: #000000; background-color: #FCF57C">Homeschool resource links </h3></td></tr> <tr><td style="text-align: left; color: #FFFFFF; background-color:#FFFFCC; font-size: 12px "> <a style="display: block; padding: 5px; color: #000000; text-decoration: none" href="http://www.menus4moms.com/">Weekly dinner menus</A></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align: left; color: #FFFFFF; background-color:#FFFFCC; border-top: 2px solid #FFFFFF; font-size: 12px"> <a style="display: block; padding: 5px; color: #000000; text-decoration: none" href="http://www.menus4moms.com/articles/">Cooking articles</A></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align: left; color: #FFFFFF; background-color:#FFFFCC; border-top: 2px solid #FFFFFF; font-size: 12px"> <a style="display: block; padding: 5px; color: #000000; text-decoration: none" href="http://www.menus4moms.com/lunch/lunch.php">Lunch ideas</A></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align: left; color: #FFFFFF; background-color:#FFFFCC; border-top: 2px solid #FFFFFF; font-size: 12px"> <a style="display: block; padding: 5px; color: #000000; text-decoration: none" href="http://www.sitesforparents.com/perl/rankem.pcgi?id=butler">Sites for parents</A></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align: left; color: #FFFFFF; background-color:#FFFFCC; border-top: 2px solid #FFFFFF; font-size: 12px"> <a style="display: block; padding: 5px; color: #000000; text-decoration: none" href="http://www.sitesforteachers.com/cgi-bin/in.cgi?id=maryann">Sites for teachers</A></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align: left; color: #FFFFFF; background-color:#FFFFCC; border-top: 2px solid #FFFFFF; font-size: 12px"> <a style="display: block; padding: 5px; color: #000000; text-decoration: none" href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/gettingorganized/planner.php#monthly">2009 Monthly Calendar </A> </td></tr></table></td> <td valign="top" style="background-color:#FFFFFF"><div style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 10px; border: none; background-color: #FFFFFF; margin-right: 10px; margin-left: 15px; font-size:13px"> TheHomeSchoolMom's Free Homeschool Resources - November, 2009 <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/TheHomeSchoolMom/161182586035"><img src="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/images/facebook.gif" style="float:left; text-decoration:none; padding-right: 15px" border="0" width="25">Become a fan of TheHomeSchoolMom on Facebook</a> <a name="contents"></a>~~~~Contents ~~~~ <ol> <li><a href="#editor"> From the Editor</a> </li> <li><a href="#updates">Website Updates</a> </li> <li><a href="#sponsortop">Math Mammoth</a> (Our Sponsor) </li> <li><a href="#sites">Educational Resources </a> </li> <li><a href="#sponsormid">Free Social Studies Lesson Plans</a> (Our Sponsor) </li> <li><a href="#seen_online">Recently Seen Online</a></li> <li><a href="#article">Article - 8 Ways to Sabotage Your Homeschool</a> by Wendy Young </li> </ol> <a href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/newsletter/">Subscribe to this newsletter</a> <a name="editor">1. From the Editor</a> FREE / LIMITED- TIME OFFER --- A $65 VALUE! - TheHomeschoolMom has arranged for a special offer just for our newsletter subscribers from Homeschool Legal Advantage. Through the generous contributions of several individual donors, Homeschool Legal Advantage is providing a complimentary first-year family membership (a $65 value!) in Homeschool Legal Advantage to the first 500 people that visit <a href="http://www.homeschoollegaladvantage.com/" target="_blank">www.HomeschoolLegalAdvantage.com</a> and sign-up for membership with our special code (sent to you upon subscription to the newsletter). HLA is an outreach of the Christian Law Association. The CLA has faithfully served churches and families since 1969, and has successfully defended over 8,000 educational freedom related cases. Today, the Homeschool Legal Advantage team includes a large group of full-time attorneys and an additional 200+ affiliated attorneys throughout the United States. HLA stands ready to educate and empower Homeschoolers so that they can respond kindly and confidently to local officials when homeschooling questions arise. And, when direct attorney involvement or even legal representation is required to defend your right to homeschool, as a member of Homeschool Legal Advantage, you can rest assured that assistance from one of our experienced attorneys is only a phone call away! SPECIAL BONUS: All first-year members have the option of having one of the HLA attorney's prepare a Last Will and Testament for both husband and wife. HLA feels very strongly that provision should be made for future decisions especially in families with young children.  And, since many young couples with children do not have a will, HLA has chosen to provide this great value-added benefit of membership which would cost up to several hundred dollars elsewhere. THIS SPECIAL OFFER EXPIRES on Sunday, November 8, 2009 Warm regards, Mary Ann Kelley Editor <a href="#contents">Back to the Table of Contents</a> <a name="updates"></a>2. TheHomeSchoolMom.com Website Updates <ul> <li><a href=http://answermom.com/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi/archive/siteweek/20091028123228/>SOTW: Historical Ideas Thanksgiving</a></li> <li><a href=http://thehomeschoolmom.com/schoolroom/states/southdakota.php>South Dakota Admission Day</a> </li> <li><a href=http://thehomeschoolmom.com/schoolroom/states/northdakota.php>North Dakota Admission Day</a> </li> <li><a href=http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/schoolroom/elections.php>Election Day</a> </li> <li><a href=http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/schoolroom/abraham_lincoln.php>Abraham Lincoln elected </a> </li> <li><a href=http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/schoolroom/states/montana.php>Montana Admission Day</a> </li> <li><a href=http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/schoolroom/vietnam_conflict.php>Vietnam Veteran's Memorial</a> </li> <li><a href=http://thehomeschoolmom.com/schoolroom/states/washington.php>Washington Admission Day</a> </li> <li><a href=http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/schoolroom/veteransday.php>Veteran's Day</a> </li> <li><a href=http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/schoolroom/world_war_1.php>WWI Armistice Day</a> </li> <li> <a href=http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/teacherslounge/articles/finding_ideas_not_discouragement.php>Finding Ideas, Not Discouragement</a> </li> <li> <a href=http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/teacherslounge/articles/tips_for_motivating_teaching_teenagers.php>Tips for Motivating and Teaching Teenagers</a> </li> <li><a href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/states/" title="Local homeschool support groups, classes, co-ops, conventions, and more">Local support and classes</a></li> </ul> <a href="#contents">Back to the Table of Contents</a> 3.  <a href="http://www.mathmammoth.com/complete-curriculum.php?utm_source=hsmom&utm_medium=nl&utm_campaign=nov2009" title="Math Mammoth Complete Math Curriculum">Math Mammoth </a> (our sponsor) <table border="0" cellpadding="0"> <tr> <td width="223"> <a href="http://www.mathmammoth.com/complete-curriculum.php?utm_source=hsmom&utm_medium=nl&utm_campaign=nov2009" title="Math Mammoth Complete Math Curriculum"><img border="0" width="199" height="199" id="_x0000_i1025" src="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/images/ad/mathmammoth200x200b.gif"></a> </td> <td width="403" valign="top">Download your package of 280+ FREE sample pages at <a href="http://www.mathmammoth.com/free?utm_source=hsmom&utm_medium=nl&utm_campaign=nov2009">www.mathmammoth.com/free</a> For homeschoolers: <ul type="disc"> <li>A <a href="http://www.mathmammoth.com/complete-curriculum.php?utm_source=hsmom&utm_medium=nl&utm_campaign=nov2009">complete curriculum</a> for grades 1-5 (Light Blue Series). Downloads $29.70 per grade - printed copies also available! Check the placement tests & FAQ's on the site for more info. </li> </ul> OR <ul type="disc"> <li>24 <a href="http://www.mathmammoth.com/blue-series.php?utm_source=hsmom&utm_medium=nl&utm_campaign=may2009">topic-specific worktexts</a> for grades 1-5 (the original Blue Series) Prices from $2 to $5.50 per worktext (won't break your bank!). Blue Series books are great for initial teaching, review, or supplements.</li> </ul></td> </tr> </table> <a href="#contents">Back to the Table of Contents</a> <a name="sites"></a>4. Educational Resources <a href="http://www.lcmm.org/webcast.html">FREE Online Shipwreck Broadcast</a> The Lake Champlain Maritime Museum presents a live webcast of the shipwrecked schooner Sarah Ellen on November 5, 2009 at 10:00am (EST). This FREE hour-long broadcast will take you deep under the cold dark waters of Lake Champlain where you'll hear the tragic story of the schooner's sinking in the winter of 1860, meet nautical archaeologists who tell of her underwater discovery in 1989, and watch footage captured by a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), over 300 feet below the surface. It's a great program for all ages: families, teachers, students, and entire classrooms. A high-speed Internet connection is necessary. Going to miss the broadcast date? No problem! They�ll be archiving it � with open captioning � shortly after the live broadcast. <a href="http://www.lcmm.org/webcast.html">http://www.lcmm.org/webcast.html</a>   <a href="http://www.easyfunschool.com/Amelia_Earhart.html">Amelia Earhart Mini-Unit</a> Amelia Earhart is garnering quite a bit of attention lately with the release of a new movie about her ambition to fly around the world. EasyFunSchool.com has put together a mini-unit study about her that includes lots of resources about her life and flight in general. <a href="http://www.easyfunschool.com/Amelia_Earhart.html">http://www.easyfunschool.com/Amelia_Earhart.html</a>   <a href="http://www.chapinpinottilearningcenter.com/">Chapin-Pinotti Learning Resources</a> This is awebsite offering free reproducibles and standards-based grade level lessons, workbooks, webquestsand more. The website began as a dissertation project and has evolved. Don't miss the navigation bar at the top - there is much more to the site than what is listed on the homepage. <a href="http://www.chapinpinottilearningcenter.com/">http://www.chapinpinottilearningcenter.com/</a>   <a href="http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/">Learn Genetics </a> The University of Utah has an online resource to help make the science of genetics easy for everyone to understand. The two parts, Learn Genetics and Teach Genetics, are for students and teachers respectively. The site makes extensive use of Flash technology to provide an interactive genetics learning resource. From the website: <blockquote> Our educational resources provide accurate and unbiased information about topics in genetics, bioscience and health. Designed for non-research audiences, they are jargon-free, target multiple learning styles, and often convey concepts through animation and interactivity. Our newest materials are being developed with our Exploragraphic� design methodology. Some topics in genetics and bioscience research are controversial. The Center does not take sides in political or ethical controversies. Rather, our goal is to provide comprehensive information that promotes a lively discussion of these topics, so that individuals can arrive at their own informed decisions. </blockquote> <a href="http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/">http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/</a>   <a href="http://www.gideonfilmfestival.com">Gideon Media Arts Intern Program</a> The Gideon Intern Program takes place during the Gideon Media Arts Conference & Film Festival at the LifeWay Conference Center in Ridgecrest, NC, June 3-8, 2010. It is designed exclusively for teens between the ages of 16 and 18. If you are interested in writing, screenwriting, acting, directing, radio, TV, church drama, or producing, then the Gideon is where you want to be. Teens can find out more about the program and how to apply at: <a href="http://www.gideonfilmfestival.com">www.gideonfilmfestival.com</a> under "Intern".  <a href="http://www.gideonfilmfestival.com">http://www.gideonfilmfestival.com</a>   <a href="#contents">Back to the Table of Contents</a> <a name="sponsormid"></a> 5. <a href="http://www.americanheritage.org" title="Free social studies lesson plans">Free Social Studies Lesson Plans </a> (Our Sponsor) <table border="0" cellpadding="0"> <tr> <td> <a href="http://www.americanheritage.org" title="Free social studies lesson plans"><img border="0" id="_x0000_i1025" src="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/images/ad/americanheritageCurves220by200.gif"></a> </td> <td><a href="http://www.americanheritage.org" title="Free social studies lesson plans">America’s Heritage: An Adventure in Liberty</a> <ul type="disc"> <li>To help teach America’s factual, philosophical heritage, history, and founding principles.</li> <li>Utilized by homeschoolers, teachers, and schools in all 50 states to learn about America's goodness and greatness!</li> <li>Social studies, US history, US government, civics, economics, geography, reading, music, and related subjects.</li> <li>Over 83,000 CD’s distributed and over 1,350,000 students taught!</li> <li>Available at no cost to users for educational purposes! $150 value!</li> <li>Written by a team of professional educators over 3 years at a cost of $388,000.</li> <li>Meets all major national standards and guidelines and advanced testing guidelines.</li> <li>Tested and proven to raise social studies scores!</li> <li>Easy to use. No teacher training required! Award-winning design and presentation!</li> </ul> Order your free resource at <a href="http://www.americanheritage.org">www.americanheritage.org</a></td> </tr> </table> <a href="#contents">Back to the Table of Contents</a> <a name="seen_online"></a>6. Recently Seen Online <a href=http://www.vahomeschoolers.org/guide/>How to Homeschool Video Series</a> Great series of videos from the Organization of Virginia Homeschoolers for anyone starting out or wanting to explain homeschooling to grandparents or friends. <a href=http://dir.salon.com/story/mwt/feature/2005/10/03/unschool/index.html>Endless Summer</a> This Salon.com article from 2005 is just as relevant today as it was then. "Since 1960, when A.S. Neill published 'Summerhill,' a chronicle of life at his "free-learning" British boarding school, and American educational reformer John Holt coined the phrase "un-schooling" in his books of the late 1970s, the philosophy has emerged as the rebellious twin of the home-schooling movement. While paired in many people's minds, the two have distinct agendas and ideologies..." See more on <a href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/teacherslounge/seen_online/index.php">TheHomeSchoolMom.com</a> <a href="#contents">Back to the Table of Contents</a> <a name="article"></a>7. Article - 8 Ways to Sabotage Your Homeschool by Wendy Young The power of a successful homeschool journey cannot be over emphasized. Every parent who home schools wants to enjoy the adventure, grow close to their children and have well rounded children at the end of it. But moms hold the power to sabotage their own homeschools and often they do not even know they are doing it. Here are some warnings (and remedies) for homeschooling parents so that you are do not become one of them. Warning #1 � You have no systems in place How do you know this is happening? You cannot find your school books, the children cannot find their pens and pencils, your laundry is piling up and you cupboards and fridge are empty. Solution � Take one afternoon on the weekend to plan your meals, do your grocery shopping, get your books ready for the next week and get your children to make sure their desks and pencil boxes are ready for Monday. Set up a laundry system in your home to make sure that your family has clean clothing and linens. [Ed. note: Try <a href="http://www.menus4moms.com/store/busymommenu.php" title="Save time and money with dinner menu plans for busy homeschool moms">Menus4Moms</a> dinner menu plans - originally created for homeschool moms - for 2 weeks for only a penny to find out how much a menu plan can help!] Warning #2 � Your children take forever to do their work Some children are slow workers, but many are dawdlers. If your junior grade children are taking more than a 3 hours to do their work or your high schooler more than 6 hours then chances are that they are wasting time. Solution � Make sure that you are giving your children short lessons so that dawdling is discouraged. Ensure that you alternate a hard lesson for a easier lesson. Take the time to train your children in the habit of attention so that they learn the importance of giving something their full attention and completing work in a timely fashion. Warning #3 � Your children spend more time on school work than life If your children are spending more than a third of their day in formal academic pursuits, it is a sure fire way of producing burnout in mom and child. Solution � Raymond and Dorothy Moore, grandparents of the homeschooling movement, make use of a head, heart and hand principle. They said that a child�s day should be balanced equally between these three occupations. Head refers to academic pursuits; Hand refers to work in and around the home like chores and entrepreneurial activities and Heart refers to spiritual and moral training a parent should impart. Warning #4 � Your children are allowed unlimited daily doses of TV and computer Children should not watch TV or work on the computer everyday. It is an unhealthy situation as the stimulus that the brain receives from these two activities causes a dumbing down process where the child forgets how to entertain themselves, play out imaginary games and be productively and creatively busy � to mention just a few negatives. Solution - Make a list of all the productive pursuits that your child can do and put to when they nag and ask for TV or their computer games. Ensure that you draw them alongside you in your day to day activities � and set the example yourself! Warning #5 � Mom does not ensure that she is sufficiently rested When a mom is tired, burnt out and running from play-dates to sports all afternoon and never takes a moment for a quiet cup of tea and a book, she is bound to be tense and overwrought. When mom has nothing left, she cannot give to her children and be a healing presence in her home. Solution - Mom needs to set aside small moments in her day to take a breather. This can be a chapter of a good book, a walk around the garden, a cup of tea � on her own. It could also mean getting to bed earlier so that she can rise before her family with a small head start on her day. Mom needs to take time out monthly as well, so that she can set her hand to a craft or hobby where she can take off the �homeschooling mom hat.� Warning #6 � The homeschooling parents talk of nothing but their children Does it seem like whenever mom and dad go out or have a moment together, all they talk about is homeschooling and parenting? While there is time for that, it is also very important that they take time to remember that their relationship ranks right up there in importance. Solution � Make a pact that you will do something special together, weekly or monthly, where you do not talk about homeschooling, parenting or household matters. Just enjoy being together. Warning #7 � Parents control their children rather than build relationship with their children This is a tough one� isn�t it? We want the best for our children; we want them to be all they were created to be and to achieve much in their lives. But often a parent will go overboard and forget that the reason they are raising children is so that they can be strong valuable members of a community. Solution � Like a young sapling tree, protect your children as they need it. Train them in moral and spiritual guidelines as you take hold of those truths as well. As they grow and show maturity in certain areas, permit them to begin making their own decisions within the realm of what is permissible to your boundaries as a family unit. Warning #8 � A homeschooling mom who spend too much time feeding on other lives I left this for last because this one point can be the single most damaging thing that can happen to any homeschool. When a mom is always comparing herself and her children to what the next person is doing, what the other children have achieved, the projects that they are doing, instead of getting on and living her life with her children, she is bound to become frustrated and defeated. Solution � Accept the season that your family is in � perhaps you have just had a baby and an in-depth unit study will sent your teetering over the edge! Perhaps your children have special needs and are not able to concentrate for long. Whatever the reason� accept the season. Also remember that each home and family is unique and your family has a specific flavor to it. When you try and bring in another family�s culture to your own, you dilute the beauty of your family. <hr> Wendy Young is the homeschooling mom to 4 children aged 7 � 14 years. They have always been at home. She has been married for 19 years. Wendy�s website, <a href="http://www.homeschool-curriculum-for-life.com/" target="_blank">Homeschool-Curriculum-For-Life</a>,  is dedicated to helping moms choose curriculum, get organized, and enjoy the homeschool journey by equipping them as their roles as wives, women, and moms. Source: <a href="http://www.homeschool-articles.com/8-ways-to-sabotage-your-homeschool/">http://www.homeschool-articles.com</a><a href="http://www.homeschool-articles.com/8-ways-to-sabotage-your-homeschool/"></a> <a href="#contents">Back to the Table of Contents</a> <h4 style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 100%; font-weight: bold; color: #000000; padding: 5px; font-style: normal; font-size: 120%"></h4> <h4 style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 100%; font-weight: bold; color: #000000; margin: 0px; padding: 5px; font-style: normal; font-size: 120%"> </h4> </div></td> </tr><tr><td colspan="2"> © 2009 TheHomeSchoolMom.Com Permission is granted to forward this newsletter in its entirety for non-commercial purposes. All other uses require permission from the Publisher. <div id="siteInfo" style="clear: both; border: 1px solid #cccc99; font-size: 90%; color: #333333; padding: 10px; text-align: left; margin-top: 20px"> <a href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/aboutus.php">About Us</a> | <a href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/sitemap.php">Site Map</a> | <a href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/advertise.php">Advertise</a> | <a href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/privacy.php">Privacy Policy</a> | <a href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/contact.php">Contact Us</a> | ©2000-2009 TheHomeSchoolMom.com</div> </td> </tr> </table>

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padding: 5px; color: #000000; text-decoration: none" href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/schoolroom/onlinebooks.php">Online books</A></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align: left; color: #FFFFFF; background-color:#FFFFCC; border-top: 2px solid #FFFFFF; font-size: 12px"> <a style="display: block; padding: 5px; color: #000000; text-decoration: none" href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/newsletter/">Newsletter archives</A></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align: left; color: #FFFFFF; background-color:#FFFFCC; border-top: 2px solid #FFFFFF; font-size: 12px"> <a style="display: block; padding: 5px; color: #000000; text-decoration: none" href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/teacherslounge/articles/">Homeschool articles</A></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align: left; color: #FFFFFF; background-color:#FFFFCC; border-top: 2px solid #FFFFFF; font-size: 12px"> <a style="display: block; padding: 5px; color: #000000; text-decoration: none" href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/teacherslounge/styles/">Homeschool styles</A></li> </ul> </td></tr></table> <table width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="10" style="background-color:#FCF57C"> <tr><td style="text-align: left; color: #FFFFFF; background-color:#FCF57C "><h3 style="margin: 0; padding: 10px; color: #000000; background-color: #FCF57C">Homeschool resource links </h3></td></tr> <tr><td style="text-align: left; color: #FFFFFF; background-color:#FFFFCC; font-size: 12px "> <a style="display: block; padding: 5px; color: #000000; text-decoration: none" href="http://www.menus4moms.com/">Weekly dinner menus</A></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align: left; color: #FFFFFF; background-color:#FFFFCC; border-top: 2px solid #FFFFFF; font-size: 12px"> <a style="display: block; padding: 5px; color: #000000; text-decoration: none" href="http://www.menus4moms.com/articles/">Cooking articles</A></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align: left; color: #FFFFFF; background-color:#FFFFCC; border-top: 2px solid #FFFFFF; font-size: 12px"> <a style="display: block; padding: 5px; color: #000000; text-decoration: none" href="http://www.menus4moms.com/lunch/lunch.php">Lunch ideas</A></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align: left; color: #FFFFFF; background-color:#FFFFCC; border-top: 2px solid #FFFFFF; font-size: 12px"> <a style="display: block; padding: 5px; color: #000000; text-decoration: none" href="http://www.sitesforparents.com/perl/rankem.pcgi?id=butler">Sites for parents</A></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align: left; color: #FFFFFF; background-color:#FFFFCC; border-top: 2px solid #FFFFFF; font-size: 12px"> <a style="display: block; padding: 5px; color: #000000; text-decoration: none" href="http://www.sitesforteachers.com/cgi-bin/in.cgi?id=maryann">Sites for teachers</A></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align: left; color: #FFFFFF; background-color:#FFFFCC; border-top: 2px solid #FFFFFF; font-size: 12px"> <a style="display: block; padding: 5px; color: #000000; text-decoration: none" href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/gettingorganized/planner.php#monthly">2009 Monthly Calendar </A> </td></tr></table></td> <td valign="top" style="background-color:#FFFFFF"><div style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 10px; border: none; background-color: #FFFFFF; margin-right: 10px; margin-left: 15px; font-size:12px"> TheHomeSchoolMom's Free Homeschool Resources - October, 2009 <a name="contents"></a>~~~~Contents ~~~~ <ol> <li><a href="#editor"> From the Editor</a> </li> <li><a href="#updates">Website Updates</a> </li> <li><a href="#sponsortop">Free Social Studies Lesson Plans </a> (Our Sponsor) </li> <li><a href="#sites">Educational Resources </a> </li> <li><a href="#sponsormid">Time4Writing</a> (Our Sponsor) </li> <li><a href="#seen_online">Recently Seen Online</a></li> <li><a href="#article">Article - Language Arts Graphic Organizers</a> by Marianne Vanderkolk</li> </ol> <a href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/newsletter/">Subscribe to this newsletter</a> <a name="editor">1. From the Editor</a> I've jumped back onto that merry-go-round of weekly activities and it seems that every time I look up, I am in the same spot again but another week has gone by! I am enjoying the first of the fall weather and am looking forward to the changing leaves - the coming winter with its cold short days, not so much. For those of you near a Borders store, this week (9/29-10/7) is <a href="http://www.borders.com/online/store/MediaView_teachingzone-teacherbenefits?sc_eid2=bannereaw-92909">Educator Appreciation Week</a>. Check the website for events at your local store. Before we know it the holiday season will be upon us so don't forget to think about gifts during Educator Appreciation Week, when books for personal use are also eligible for the discount. If you celebrate Christmas, check out the <a href="http://www.menus4moms.com/homeorganization/christmas/holiday_timetable.php">2009 Holiday Timetable</a> to help plan ahead and avoid the frantic holiday rush. It's a valuable resource to help you stay on top of all there is to do during the season. Have a great month! Warm regards, Mary Ann Kelley Editor <a href="#contents">Back to the Table of Contents</a> <a name="updates"></a>2. TheHomeSchoolMom.com Website Updates <ul> <li><a href=http://answermom.com/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi/archive/siteweek/20090930104425/>SOTW: Monster Exchange</a></li> <li><a href=http://answermom.com/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi/archive/siteweek/20090923120754/>SOTW: The Frugal Homeschooling Mom</a></li> <li><a href=http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/schoolroom/sukkot.php>Sukkot</a> </li> <li><a href=http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/schoolroom/rocketry.php>Sputnik launch</a> </li> <li> <a href=http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/teacherslounge/articles/how_to_homeschool_highschool.php>How to Homeschool in High School</a> </li> <li><a href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/states/" title="Local homeschool support groups, classes, co-ops, conventions, and more">Local support and classes</a></li> </ul> <a href="#contents">Back to the Table of Contents</a> <a name="sponsortop"></a> 3. <a href="http://www.americanheritage.org" title="Free social studies lesson plans">Free Social Studies Lesson Plans </a> (Our Sponsor) <table border="0" cellpadding="0" style="font-size: 12px"> <tr> <td> <a href="http://www.americanheritage.org" title="Free social studies lesson plans"><img border="0" id="_x0000_i1025" src="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/images/ad/americanheritageCurves220by200.gif"></a> </td> <td><a href="http://www.americanheritage.org" title="Free social studies lesson plans">America’s Heritage: An Adventure in Liberty</a> <ul type="disc"> <li>To help teach America’s factual, philosophical heritage, history, and founding principles.</li> <li>Utilized by homeschoolers, teachers, and schools in all 50 states to learn about America's goodness and greatness!</li> <li>Social studies, US history, US government, civics, economics, geography, reading, music, and related subjects.</li> <li>Over 78,000 CD’s distributed and over 1,210,000 students taught!</li> <li>Available at no cost to users for educational purposes! $150 value!</li> <li>Written by a team of professional educators over 3 years at a cost of $388,000.</li> <li>Meets all major national standards and guidelines and advanced testing guidelines.</li> <li>Tested and proven to raise social studies scores!</li> <li>Easy to use. No teacher training required! Award-winning design and presentation!</li> </ul> Order your free resource at <a href="http://www.americanheritage.org">www.americanheritage.org</a></td> </tr> </table> <a href="#contents">Back to the Table of Contents</a> <a name="sites"></a>4. Educational Resources <a href="http://animal.discovery.com/fansites/wildkingdom/fieldguide/interactives/interactives.html">Wild Kingdom Interactive Field Guide </a> I grew up watching Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom, so of course I had to check out this site on Discovery.com. The field guide is an awesome way to explore animals (and I have to say that exploring the King Cobra from a distance is about the only way I would do it!). The site is easy for kids to use and if you click the "Go to main" link at the top of the page, you will find a link to videos, episode guides, creature quizzes and more. <a href="http://animal.discovery.com/fansites/wildkingdom/fieldguide/interactives/interactives.html">http://animal.discovery.com/fansites/wildkingdom/fieldguide/interactives/interactives.html</a> <a href="https://www.worldmag.com/s2/special.cfm?p=W9HINFLT">WORLD Magazine Student Subscriptions </a> WORLD Magazine offers its subscriptions to students at 80% off the cover price at $32.95 for a one year subscription (valid only for US addresses; regular subscriptions are $49.95 per year to US addresses). I have verified that this offer is extended to homeschool students. WORLD is a quality weekly news magazine from a Christian perspective. <a href="https://www.worldmag.com/s2/special.cfm?p=W9HINFLT">https://www.worldmag.com/s2/special.cfm?p=W9HINFLT</a> <a href="http://d-maps.com/">Outline Maps </a> d-maps.com contains over 5000 maps, each one available in GIF, PDF, CDR, AI, SVG and WMF. There is no cost for any of the maps. <a href="http://d-maps.com/">http://d-maps.com/</a> <a href="http://home.att.net/~rjnorton/Lincoln2.html">Abraham Lincoln </a> The Abraham Lincoln Research Site his site if from a retired American history teacher who has operated the site since 1996. The site is educational in nature and includes a vast number of resources touching on virtually every aspect of Lincoln's life. <a href="http://home.att.net/~rjnorton/Lincoln2.html">http://www.bestteachersites.com/web_tools/materials/timelines/</a> <a href="#contents">Back to the Table of Contents</a> <a name="sponsormid"></a> 5. <a href="http://www.time4writing.com/how-it-works/?utm_source=HomeschoolMom&utm_medium=Email+Sponsorship&utm_content=HS+Mom+Oct1+NL&utm_campaign=HomeschoolMom+Oct+Resources+NL" title="Time 4 Writing">Time 4 Writing </a> (Our Sponsor) Develop your child’s inner writer. Time4Writing teaches 2nd – 12th grade students writing mechanics from start to finish. The eight week courses are taught by certified teachers who focus on skill development, technique and confidence building. Students receive prompt feedback, catered to individual needs. <table border="0" cellpadding="0" style="font-size: 12px"> <tr> <td width="157"><a href="http://www.time4writing.com/how-it-works/?utm_source=HomeschoolMom&utm_medium=Email+Sponsorship&utm_content=HS+Mom+Oct1+NL&utm_campaign=HomeschoolMom+Oct+Resources+NL" title="Time 4 Writing"><img src="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/images/ad/T4W_125X200.jpg" width="125" height="200" border="0"></a> </td> <td width="505">Online Courses Include: <ul type="disc"> <li>Elementary: </li> <ul type="circle"> <li><a href="http://www.time4writing.com/elementary-school/grammar-skills/?utm_source=HomeschoolMom&utm_medium=Email+Sponsorship&utm_content=HS+Mom+Oct1+NL&utm_campaign=HomeschoolMom+Oct+Resources+NL">Grammar Rules</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.time4writing.com/elementary-school/sentence-writing/?utm_source=HomeschoolMom&utm_medium=Email+Sponsorship&utm_content=HS+Mom+Oct1+NL&utm_campaign=HomeschoolMom+Oct+Resources+NL">Sensational Sentences</a> </li> <li><a href="http://www.time4writing.com/elementary-school/paragraph-writing/?utm_source=HomeschoolMom&utm_medium=Email+Sponsorship&utm_content=HS+Mom+Oct1+NL&utm_campaign=HomeschoolMom+Oct+Resources+NL">Perfect Paragraphs</a> </li> </ul> <li>Middle School: </li> <ul type="circle"> <li><a href="http://www.time4writing.com/middle-school/basic-writing-mechanics/?utm_source=HomeschoolMom&utm_medium=Email+Sponsorship&utm_content=HS+Mom+Oct1+NL&utm_campaign=HomeschoolMom+Oct+Resources+NL">Basic Mechanics</a> </li> <li><a href="http://www.time4writing.com/middle-school/writing-enhancement?utm_source=HomeschoolMom&utm_medium=Email+Sponsorship&utm_content=HS+Mom+Oct1+NL&utm_campaign=HomeschoolMom+Oct+Resources+NL">Writing Enhancement</a> </li> <li><a href="http://www.time4writing.com/middle-school/paragraph-writing?utm_source=HomeschoolMom&utm_medium=Email+Sponsorship&utm_content=HS+Mom+Oct1+NL&utm_campaign=HomeschoolMom+Oct+Resources+NL">Powerful Paragraphs</a> </li> <li><a href="http://www.time4writing.com/middle-school/essay-writing?utm_source=HomeschoolMom&utm_medium=Email+Sponsorship&utm_content=HS+Mom+Oct1+NL&utm_campaign=HomeschoolMom+Oct+Resources+NL">Welcome to the Essay</a> </li> <li><a href="http://www.time4writing.com/middle-school/advanced-essay?utm_source=HomeschoolMom&utm_medium=Email+Sponsorship&utm_content=HS+Mom+Oct1+NL&utm_campaign=HomeschoolMom+Oct+Resources+NL">Advanced Essay Writing</a> </li> </ul> <li>High School: </li> <ul type="circle"> <li><a href="http://www.time4writing.com/high-school/writing-mechanics?utm_source=HomeschoolMom&utm_medium=Email+Sponsorship&utm_content=HS+Mom+Oct1+NL&utm_campaign=HomeschoolMom+Oct+Resources+NL">Basic Mechanics</a> </li> <li><a href="http://www.time4writing.com/high-school/essay-writing/?utm_source=HomeschoolMom&utm_medium=Email+Sponsorship&utm_content=HS+Mom+Oct1+NL&utm_campaign=HomeschoolMom+Oct+Resources+NL">Exciting Essay Writing</a> </li> </ul> </ul> Browse our <a href="http://www.time4writing.com/select-writing-courses/?utm_source=HomeschoolMom&utm_medium=Email+Sponsorship&utm_content=HS+Mom+Oct1+NL&utm_campaign=HomeschoolMom+Oct+Resources+NL">courses</a>, meet our <a href="http://www.time4writing.com/writing-teachers-bios/?utm_source=HomeschoolMom&utm_medium=Email+Sponsorship&utm_content=HS+Mom+Oct1+NL&utm_campaign=HomeschoolMom+Oct+Resources+NL">teachers</a> or <a href="http://www.time4writing.com/how-it-works/?utm_source=HomeschoolMom&utm_medium=Email+Sponsorship&utm_content=HS+Mom+Oct1+NL&utm_campaign=HomeschoolMom+Oct+Resources+NL">learn more</a>. 100% satisfaction guaranteed!</td> </tr> </table> <a href="#contents">Back to the Table of Contents</a> <a name="seen_online"></a>6. Recently Seen Online <a href=http://www.salon.com/mwt/feature/2009/09/28/confessions_homeschooler/>Confessions of a home-schooler</a> New series on homeschooling from Andrew O'Hehir at Salon.com: "Let's be honest: It's almost always mothers who react defensively when the subject comes up, as if our personal decision not to send our kids to public school contained an implicit judgment of whatever different choices they may have made...As I say, I understand this a little bit better than I did at first. For one thing, I'm not sure any man can really grasp the competing and largely incompatible demands faced these days by American women, who are expected to be providers, power brokers, nurturers and sex symbols, either all at the same time or in rapid succession. Whether they're working-class or middle-class, most working mothers feel fundamentally torn between home and the workplace. They get shunted into mommy-track careers if they seem insufficiently devoted to their corporate overlords while getting grief from mothers-in-law for not spending enough time with the kids. They're doing the best they can and it's not that much fun, and the last thing they want to hear is somebody telling them, in effect, that they must have missed the latest memo on hip 21st-century motherhood: You're supposed to quit your job and spend your days reading your kids 'Oliver Twist'! Home schooling is the new black!" See more on <a href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/teacherslounge/seen_online/index.php">TheHomeSchoolMom.com</a> <a href="#contents">Back to the Table of Contents</a> <a name="article"></a>7. Article - Language Arts Graphic Organizers by Marianne Vanderkolk Language Arts Graphic Organizers are tools which can help an author choose a subject and gather their details before the writing begins and also during the whole writing process. They can be used as a strategy for teaching writing to help identify possible subjects, learn as much as possible about the subject, decide on an interesting point to expand upon and list factors which can be included and as a tool to design and organize the writing. They are wonderful tools for young writers and helpful in teaching children to write well. The writing process often follows these steps: <ul> <li>Pre-writing;</li> <li>Writing the first draft;</li> <li> Revising;</li> <li>Editing and Proofreading.</li> </ul> Language Arts graphic organizers will be most useful in the pre-writing stage, but can also be aids when writing the draft and when revising to help the writer clarify and logically present their work. What are some language arts graphic organizers and when can they be used? Initially, when deciding upon a topic, these graphic organizers can be used: <ul> <li>Clustering – Begin with a nucleus word related to a writing topic and cluster words around it. Begin with the word in a circle in the center of the page and then branch off it with lines joining to new words. These in turn can branch off to other related words. This helps to identify a subtopic within a larger topic. You will also begin to see which subtopic you know most about and which topics will need more research if you were to write on that topic.</li> <li>Listing – Do the same as above, but just list words related to the main topic</li> </ul> Graphic Organizers which will help the writer gather details, revise and rewrite are: <ul> <li>Clustering – Can once again be useful to help you narrow down your topic.</li> <li>5 W’s and H – Once you have selected your topic, ask Who? What? When? Where? and Why? and How? This graphic organizer can have the main topic in the center of the page with each W? spidering from the center. It could look like the spokes of a wheel.</li> <li>Describing Wheel – This graphic organizer is like a large wheel with the topic in the center. The circle is divided into five sectors – one for each of the senses. This graphic organizer helps the author think of ways to describe a topic, a person, a place, an object according to each sense : sight, smell, touch, taste, hearing.</li> <li>Story Map – This can be useful for narrative writing. This can be organized in horizontal steps. The Setting – which describes who, what, where, when; The Problem or Conflict ; The Plot which includes the rising action and may include a number of sub-plots; The Climax; The Falling Action and Resolution;</li> <li>Compare and Contrast – This graphic organizer can be set up as a T on a page and useful to compare and contrast topics, events, people and so on.</li> <li>Venn Diagram – A Venn Diagram is also a useful graphic organizer which compares and contrasts two subjects.</li> <li>Timeline – A timeline can be useful to list an order of events in a person’s life, an event,</li> <li>A Process Diagram – This graphic organizer is useful to list details of how a process works or step by step instructions. Processes can be joined by arrows.</li> <li>Cycle Diagram – In much the same way as above, this graphic organizer can be used to describe a process which continues as a cycle – science related subjects – life-cycles, water-cycle etc.</li> <li>Cause/ Effect Organizer – This is another T chart which can describe results which come from a particular event.</li> <li>Definition Diagram – Using a spiral diagram, information on the subject can be written on the spokes. A topic can be defined by a quote, a dictionary definition, important facts, personal definitions, What it is not, An example of it.</li> <li>KWL – Another graphic organizer which helps the author see the gaps in his/her knowledge of a subject and a way to fill it: It is presented as a 3 column chart with these headings : <ul> <li>What do I know? (K);</li> <li>What do I want to Know? (W)</li> <li>What I learned (L) or still want to know.</li> </ul> </li> <li>Main Idea/Supporting Ideas – This chart can be useful to draft an essay or paragraph. The topic sentence or thesis statement is written at the top and listed underneath are the supporting statements, quotes, facts, examples which support the thesis. An essay may contain a few paragraphs which need supporting evidence for each thesis statement.</li> </ul> These tools are useful to any author, any child or adult, who likes to have a visual and graphic overview of their writing and likes to express their thoughts spatially. <hr> Visit Marianne Vanderkolk’s at <a id="link_100" href="http://www.design-your-homeschool.com/index.html" target="_new">Design-Your-Homeschool.com</a> – a Homeschooling guide to help you uniquely design-your-own homeschool to suit your family’s goals. The website provides information on <a href="http://www.design-your-homeschool.com/how-to-teach-writing.html">how to teach writing</a> along with free Homeschool Printables and Graphic Organizers. Source: <a href="http://www.homeschool-articles.com/">http://www.homeschool-articles.com/</a> <a href="#contents">Back to the Table of Contents</a> <h4 style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 100%; font-weight: bold; color: #000000; margin: 0px; padding: 5px; font-style: normal; font-size: 120%"> </h4> </div></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2"> © 2009 TheHomeSchoolMom.Com Permission is granted to forward this newsletter in its entirety for non-commercial purposes. All other uses require permission from the Publisher. <div id="siteInfo" style="clear: both; border: 1px solid #cccc99; font-size: 90%; color: #333333; padding: 10px; text-align: left; margin-top: 20px"> <a href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/aboutus.php">About Us</a> | <a href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/sitemap.php">Site Map</a> | <a href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/advertise.php">Advertise</a> | <a href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/privacy.php">Privacy Policy</a> | <a href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/contact.php">Contact Us</a> | ©2000-2009 TheHomeSchoolMom.com</div> </td> </tr> </table>

Correct link for Living Gluten-free Casein-free

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 21:54:00 GMT

Dear friends, I apologize for not sending the correct link for Living Gluten-free Casein-free. You can visit the website here: <a href="http://www.livingglutenfreecaseinfree.com">http://www.livingglutenfreecaseinfree.com</a> Warm regards, Mary Ann

Introducing Living Gluten-free Casein-free

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 15:51:00 GMT

<center> <table cellpadding="10" cellspacing="10"><tr><td> <div id="header"><a href="[redirect=http://livingglutenfreecaseinfree.com/"><img src="http://www.livingglutenfreecaseinfree.com/images/mainbannerimage.gif" border="0" /></a></div></td></tr> <tr><td width="805"> <div id="content" class="narrowcolumn" style="padding-right: 5px; text-align:left"> <div class="entry"> <h2 style=" line-height:120%; margin-top:0; padding-top:0;font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, Sans-Serif; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; font-size: 120%;color: #9FD668;" title="Living Gluten-free Casein-free is the perfect resource for individuals new to gluten-free living">Have you been diagnosed with food allergies? Are you having a difficult time adapting to a gluten-free diet? Tired of boring gluten-free foods? </h2> Menus4Moms is pleased to announce the publication of Living Gluten-free Casein-free, a comprehensive resource that will help you in your quest to live gluten-free. Perfect for individuals who are either gluten-free or gluten-free/casein-free, the menu includes 4 weeks of weekly lessons and menus. Each week for 4 weeks you will receive: <table border="0" cellpadding="0" style="font-family:'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, Sans-Serif; " width="800"> <tr> <td valign="top"><center><a href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/links/m4m.php?id=gfcf_more" title="Gluten-free casein-free menu plans"><img border="0" src="http://www.menus4moms.com/images/recipes/arepas.jpg"/></a></center> </td> <td valign="top"><ul type="disc"> <li>Menu plan with breakfast, lunch and dinner recipes for 6 days of the week for a family of 6</li> <li>Grocery list</li> <li>Many helpful hints on shopping and health </li> <li>Weekly lessons about how foods affect the body</li> </ul></td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="2"> Living Gluten-free Casein-free contains valuable resources to help you succeed with your gluten-free lifestyle. Each recipe is gluten-free and has options for those who are also avoiding casein. All lessons are designed to inform, change behavior, and acknowledge the “mourning” of these foods as you move toward improved health. Living Gluten-free Casein-free is the only GFCF menu plan written by a practicing nurse practitioner. <a href="[redirect=http://livingglutenfreecaseinfree.com/">Find out more</a> or <a href="[redirect=http://livingglutenfreecaseinfree.com/">order now</a> </td> </tr> </table> </div></div> </td></tr></table></center>

Stop searching for Homeschool activities online

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 15:25:00 GMT

<table width="600" border="0" align="center" cellpadding="10" cellspacing="0" bgcolor="#FFFFFF"> <tr> <td><table width="600" height="755" border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" id="Table_01"> <tr> <td colspan="4">  Stop searching for homeschool activities...  We've done the work for you! </td> <td> <img width="1" height="30" alt=""></td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="2" class="style15" style="padding-left: 15px"> Get Started Today! Access the most comprehensive online resource for K-4 homeschoolers.  <a href="http://www.lessonpathways.com/info/HomeschoolB/?utm_source=HSMom&utm_medium=HM_Email&utm_campaign=0916">Click Here to Try it Out</a><a href="http://www.lessonpathways.com/info/HomeschoolB/?utm_source=HSMom&utm_medium=HM_Email&utm_campaign=0916"> </a> <a href="http://www.lessonpathways.com/info/HomeschoolB/?utm_source=HSMom&utm_medium=HM_Email&utm_campaign=0916"> </a> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="middle" class="style15"> <a href="http://www.lessonpathways.com/info/HomeschoolB/?utm_source=HSMom&utm_medium=HM_Email&utm_campaign=0916"> <img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3486/3924050629_0027da8ea4_m.jpg" alt="" border="0" align="middle"></a></td> <td class="style15"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="4"> <hr width="95%" noshade></td> <td>  </td> </tr> <tr> <td height="311" colspan="3" align="left" valign="bottom"> <table width="100%" height="314" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"> <tr> <td width="17" class="style4" valign="top"> <a href="http://www.lessonpathways.com/info/HomeschoolB/?utm_source=HSMom&utm_medium=HM_Email&utm_campaign=0916"> <img src="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/images/ad/lesson_pathways_top.jpg" border="0"></td> <td colspan="2" valign="top" class="style4"> Over 700 Unit Studies Online Each unit–called a Pathway–is ready to use, and includes:</td> </tr> <tr> <td height="45"> </td> <td width="145" valign="top">• Reading Material • Worksheets • Videos</td> <td width="148" valign="top">• Games • Experiments • and much more!</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="17" class="style4" valign="top"> <a href="http://www.lessonpathways.com/info/HomeschoolB/?utm_source=HSMom&utm_medium=HM_Email&utm_campaign=0916"> <img src="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/images/ad/lesson_pathways_mid.jpg" border="0"></td> <td colspan="2" valign="top" class="style4"> Full or Supplemental Curriculum Use it as a complete curriculum, or mix and match to create your own customized teaching plan.  It works with your unique instructional methods and your students' personal learning styles. </td> </tr> <tr> <td height="89" valign="top"> <a href="http://www.lessonpathways.com/info/HomeschoolB/?utm_source=HSMom&utm_medium=HM_Email&utm_campaign=0916"> <img src="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/images/ad/lesson_pathways_bottom.jpg" border="0"></td> <td colspan="2" valign="top"> Online Lesson Planning It's like having a teaching assistant!  Track all your students' pathways and progress all in one place! See how EASY and FUN homeschooling can be with <a href="http://www.lessonpathways.com/info/HomeschoolB/?utm_source=HSMom&utm_medium=HM_Email&utm_campaign=0916">LessonPathways.com</a>! </td> </tr> </table> </td> <td valign="top"> <a href="http://www.lessonpathways.com/info/HomeschoolB/?utm_source=HSMom&utm_medium=HM_Email&utm_campaign=0916"> <img border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2675/3924761418_06142f1eba_o.gif" width="200" height="329"></a></td> <td> <img width="1" height="259" alt=""></td> </tr> <tr> <td height="1" colspan="4" valign="top"> <table width="593" height="136" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tr> <td height="20" colspan="2" valign="top"><hr width="95%" noshade></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="212" height="116" valign="top"> <a href="http://www.lessonpathways.com/info/HomeschoolB/?utm_source=HSMom&utm_medium=HM_Email&utm_campaign=0916"> <img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3422/3923975179_cd131a03f4_o.jpg" alt="" border="0" align="top"></a></td> <td width="381"> "This is something that ALL homeschoolers should want to invest in. I am in total awe at how much information is put into each pathway. No book could ever contain all the info that Lesson Pathways has put together. This is, by far the most comprehensive curriculum program that I have ever seen. And for the price, you couldn't beat it!" - Dana Carroll, The Homeschool Mommy on Blog Talk Radio</td> </tr> </table> <hr width="95%" noshade> <a href="http://www.lessonpathways.com/info/HomeschoolB/?utm_source=HSMom&utm_medium=HM_Email&utm_campaign=0916" style="text-decoration: none"> www.LessonPathways.com</a></td> <td> <img width="1" height="51" alt=""></td> </tr> <tr> <td height="3"> <img width="81" height="0" alt=""></td> <td class="style14"> <img width="215" height="1" alt=""></td> <td> <img width="104" height="1" alt=""></td> <td> <img width="1" height="1" alt=""></td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </td> </tr> </table>

Private Music Lessons�?

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 14:00:00 GMT

<table width="780" align="center"><tr><td> Can You Really Afford Private Music Lessons For Your Child? Save more than $3,000 in private instruction costs! <table align="center"> <tr> <td><a href="http://www.learnandmaster.com/985-14-3-6.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.learnandmaster.com/images/email/Homeschool_piano2.jpg" alt="Learn & Master Piano" width="170" height="218" hspace="35" vspace="0" border="0" align="middle"></a></td> <td align="center"><a href="http://www.learnandmaster.com/985-15-3-7.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.learnandmaster.com/images/email/LLSlogo_150.jpg" alt="Legacy Learning Systems" width="150" height="63" hspace="0" vspace="0" border="0" align="middle"></a> <a href="http://www.learnandmaster.com/985-15-3-7.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.learnandmaster.com/images/email/Homeschool_logo2.jpg" alt="Learn & Master Homeschool" width="190" height="100" hspace="0" vspace="0" border="0" align="middle"></a></td> <td><a href="http://www.learnandmaster.com/985-13-3-5.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.learnandmaster.com/images/email/Homeschool_guitar2.jpg" alt="Learn & Master Guitar" width="170" height="218" hspace="35" vspace="0" border="0" align="middle"></a></td> </tr></table> You want your child to enjoy the gift of music. Being able to play an instrument has many benefits: <ul><img border="0" align="right" vspace="10" hspace="10" alt="Learn and Master Homeschool" src="http://www.learnandmaster.com/images/email/hs_guitar1.jpg" width="233" height="195" /> <li>   Studies show that music boosts all other academic skills </li> <li>   Builds confidence and great self-esteem</li> <li>   It�s a gift they�ll enjoy for a lifetime</li> <li>   Sets them apart among their peers</li> <li>   Equips them to participate and even lead others in worship and other musical activities</li> </ul> However, the ability to play an instrument has always come at a steep price, in time and money. The average half-hour guitar or piano lesson is around $35. If your child goes once a week for even a single year, you�ve easily spent over $1800. And then there�s the time and fuel you burn as a �piano mom,� carting your students to their lessons.<img border="0" align="left" vspace="10" hspace="10" alt="Learn and Master Homeschool" src="http://www.learnandmaster.com/images/email/hs_piano1.jpg" width="233" height="175" /> There have been no realistic alternatives� Until now... <a href="http://www.learnandmaster.com/985-15-3-7.html" target="_blank">Legacy Learning Systems</a> (a Nashville company) has been producing award-winning, comprehensive music courses for online customers worldwide for the last 3 years. Legacy recently released new homeschool curricula based on their most popular music courses, <a href="http://www.learnandmaster.com/985-13-3-5.html" target="_blank">Learn & Master Guitar</a> and <a href="http://www.learnandmaster.com/985-14-3-6.html" target="_blank">Piano</a> . These new <a href="http://www.learnandmaster.com/985-15-3-7.html" target="_blank">Homeschool Editions</a> come with a complete 2-Year Scope and Sequence so your student can go from "beginner" level, right through to complete mastery. (*The company also offers courses in <a href="http://www.learnandmaster.com/985-10-3-2.html" target="_blank">Drums</a> and <a href="http://www.learnandmaster.com/985-11-3-4.html" target="_blank">Ballroom Dance</a> , and is working on Painting and Photography curricula for release in 2009!) Using the award winning �learn & master� system, your student will receive at least 2 full years of expert instruction for less than the cost of 2 months of �lessons� - which will save your family more than $3,000 in private instruction! But maybe you don�t play an instrument yourself. Can you still �teach� your child? Yes. <a href="http://www.learnandmaster.com/985-15-3-7.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.learnandmaster.com/images/email/LLS_hs_quote1.jpg" alt="Legacy Learning System" width="380" height="172" hspace="10" vspace="10" border="0" align="right"></a>With Learn & Master courses, the actual teaching is done by the course instructor on video. The child follows along through 14-20 DVDs, and the printed 100+ page Workbook. Parents are able to follow the child�s progress by simply watching the Teacher�s DVD(s) and using the Scope and Sequence included in the 68-page Teacher�s Resource Guidebook. The Learn & Master Homeschool Editions come with a 60-day money-back guarantee and are now available at special introductory prices. <table><tr align="center"><td width="780" colspan="3" align="center"><a name="Learn & Master Courses" id="Learn & Master Courses" href="http://www.learnandmaster.com/985-15-3-7.html" target="_blank">ORDER YOUR COPIES TODAY! - SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY PRICES!</a></td></tr></table> <table width="780" height="207" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="Table_01"> <tr> <td> <a name="Learn & Master Ballroom Dancing" id="Learn & Master Ballroom Dancing" href="http://www.learnandmaster.com/985-11-3-4.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.learnandmaster.com/images/email/lm_dance.jpg" alt="Learn & Master Ballroom Dancing" width="162" height="207" border="0"></a></td> <td> <a name="Learn & Master Drums" id="Learn & Master Drums" href="http://www.learnandmaster.com/985-10-3-2.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.learnandmaster.com/images/email/lm_drums.jpg" alt="Learn & Master Drums" width="154" height="207" border="0"></td> <td> <a name="Learn & Master Guitar" id="Learn & Master Guitar" href="http://www.learnandmaster.com/985-8-3-1.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.learnandmaster.com/images/email/lm_guitar.jpg" alt="Learn & Master Guitar" width="148" height="207" border="0"></td> <td> <a name="Learn & Master Piano" id="Learn & Master Piano" href="http://www.learnandmaster.com/985-9-3-3.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.learnandmaster.com/images/email/lm_piano.jpg" alt="Learn & Master Piano" width="154" height="207" border="0"></td> <td> <a name="Learn & Master Painting" id="Learn & Master Painting" href="http://www.learnandmaster.com/985-27-3-23.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.learnandmaster.com/images/email/lm_painting.jpg" alt="Learn & Master Painting" width="162" height="207" border="0"></td> </tr> <tr align="center"><td width="780" colspan="5" align="center"><a name="Learn & Master Courses" id="Learn & Master Courses" href="http://www.learnandmaster.com/985.html" target="_blank"> OTHER COURSES AVAILABLE FROM LEGACY LEARNING SYSTEMS!</a> <a name="Learn & Master Courses" id="Learn & Master Courses" href="http://www.learnandmaster.com/985-15-3-7.html" target="_blank">www.learnandmaster.com/homeschool</a></td></tr></table> </td></tr></table>

12 Benefits of Music Education�?

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 23:48:00 GMT

<table width="780" align="center"><tr align="center"><td>Twelve Benefits of Music Education </td></tr> <tr><td><img src="http://www.learnandmaster.com/images/email/piano01.jpg" alt="Learn and Master Homeschool Piano" width="300" hspace="10" border="1" align="right"> 1. Early musical training helps develop brain areas involved in language and reasoning. It is thought that brain development continues for many years after birth. Recent studies have clearly indicated that musical training physically develops the part of the left side of the brain known to be involved with processing language, and can actually wire the brain's circuits in specific ways. Linking familiar songs to new information can also help imprint information on young minds. 2. There is also a causal link between music and spatial intelligence (the ability to perceive the world accurately and to form mental pictures of things). This kind of intelligence, by which one can visualize various elements that should go together, is critical to the sort of thinking necessary for everything from solving advanced mathematics problems to being able to pack a book-bag with everything that will be needed for the day. <img src="http://www.learnandmaster.com/images/email/guitar01.jpg" alt="Learn and Master Homeschool" height="280" hspace="10" vspace="10" border="1" align="left"> 3. Students of the arts learn to think creatively and to solve problems by imagining various solutions, rejecting outdated rules and assumptions. Questions about the arts do not have only one right answer. 4. Recent studies show that students who study the arts are more successful on standardized tests such as the SAT. They also achieve higher grades in high school. 5. A study of the arts provides children with an internal glimpse of other cultures and teaches them to be empathetic towards the people of these cultures. This development of compassion and empathy, as opposed to development of greed and a "me first" attitude, provides a bridge across cultural chasms that leads to respect of other races at an early age. 6. Students of music learn craftsmanship as they study how details are put together painstakingly and what constitutes good, as opposed to mediocre, work. These standards, when applied to a student's own work, <img src="http://www.learnandmaster.com/images/email/painting01.jpg" alt="Learn and Master Homeschool" height="280" hspace="10" vspace="10" border="1" align="right">demand a new level of excellence and require students to stretch their inner resources. 7. In music, a mistake is a mistake; the instrument is in tune or not, the notes are well played or not, the entrance is made or not. It is only by much hard work that a successful performance is possible. Through music study, students learn the value of sustained effort to achieve excellence and the concrete rewards of hard work. 8. Music study enhances teamwork skills and discipline. In order for an orchestra to sound good, all players must work together harmoniously towards a single goal, the performance, and must commit to learning music, attending rehearsals, and practicing. 9. Music provides children with a means of self-expression. Now that there is relative security in the basics of existence, the challenge is to make life meaningful and to reach for a higher stage of development. Everyone needs to be in touch at some time in his life with his core, with what he is and what he feels. Self-esteem is a by-product of this self-expression. 10. <img src="http://www.learnandmaster.com/images/email/drums01.jpg" alt="Learn and Master Homeschool" width="300" hspace="10" border="1" align="left">Music study develops skills that are necessary in the workplace. It focuses on "doing," as opposed to observing, and teaches students how to perform, literally, anywhere in the world. Employers are looking for multi-dimensional workers with the sort of flexible and supple intellects that music education helps to create as described above. In the music classroom, students can also learn to better communicate and cooperate with one another. 11. Music performance teaches young people to conquer fear and to take risks. A little anxiety is a good thing, and something that will occur often in life. Dealing with it early and often makes it less of a problem later. Risk-taking is essential if a child is to fully develop his or her potential. 12. An arts education exposes children to the incomparable. Source: <a href="http://www.childrensmusicworkshop.com/" target="_blank">www.childrensmusicworkshop.com</a> Carolyn Phillips is the author of the Twelve Benefits of Music Education. She is the Former Executive Director of the Norwalk Youth Symphony, CT.</td></tr></table> <table width="780" align="center"> <tr align="center"><td align="center"> <hr width="500" size="1" color="#C0C0C0"> </td></tr> <table width="780" align="center"> <tr align="center"><td>Affordable Music & Art Education Courses from Legacy Learning Systems </td></tr> <tr><td><a href="http://www.learnandmaster.com/985-15-3-7.html" target="_blank">Legacy Learning Systems</a> (a Nashville company) recently released new home school curricula: <a href="http://www.learnandmaster.com/985-13-3-5.html" target="_blank">Learn & Master Guitar</a>, <a href="http://www.learnandmaster.com/985-14-3-6.html" target="_blank">Piano</a> and Painting. These new <a href="http://www.learnandmaster.com/985-15-3-7.html" target="_blank">Homeschool Editions</a> come with a complete 2-Year Scope and Sequence so your student can go from "beginner" level through complete mastery. Using the award winning <a href="http://www.learnandmaster.com/985-15-3-7.html" target="_blank">Learn & Master</a> system, your student will receive at least 2 full years of expert instruction for less than the cost of 2 months of private lessons - or less than $2 per week...saving your family more than $3,000 in private instruction PER CHILD! You don't have music or arts training yourself?   Can you still teach your child?    YES! With <a name="Learn & Master Courses" id="Learn & Master Courses" href="http://www.learnandmaster.com/985-15-3-7.html" target="_blank">Learn & Master</a> courses, the actual teaching is done by the course instructor on video. The child follows along through 14-20 DVDs, and the printed 100+ page Workbook. You, the parent, are able to follow the child's progress by simply watching the Teacher's DVD(s) and using the Scope and Sequence included in the 68-page Teacher's Resource Guidebook. The <a name="Learn & Master Courses" id="Learn & Master Courses" href="http://www.learnandmaster.com/985-15-3-7.html" target="_blank">Learn & Master Homeschool Editions</a> come with a 60-DAY MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE and are now available at special introductory prices. <a name="Learn & Master Courses" id="Learn & Master Courses" href="http://www.learnandmaster.com/985-15-3-7.html" target="_blank">Click here to get your copies today!</a> </td></tr></table> <table align="center"> <tr> <td><a href="http://www.learnandmaster.com/985-14-3-6.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.learnandmaster.com/images/email/Homeschool_piano2.jpg" alt="Learn & Master Piano" width="170" height="218" hspace="35" vspace="0" border="0" align="middle"></a></td> <td align="center"><a href="http://www.learnandmaster.com/985-15-3-7.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.learnandmaster.com/images/email/LLSlogo_150.jpg" alt="Legacy Learning Systems" width="150" height="63" hspace="0" vspace="0" border="0" align="middle"></a> <a href="http://www.learnandmaster.com/985-15-3-7.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.learnandmaster.com/images/email/Homeschool_logo2.jpg" alt="Learn & Master Homeschool" width="190" height="100" hspace="0" vspace="0" border="0" align="middle"></a></td> <td><a href="http://www.learnandmaster.com/985-13-3-5.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.learnandmaster.com/images/email/Homeschool_guitar2.jpg" alt="Learn & Master Guitar" width="170" height="218" hspace="35" vspace="0" border="0" align="middle"></a></td> </tr></table> <table align="center"><tr align="center"><td> Save your family time and money with the <a href="http://www.learnandmaster.com/985-15-3-7.html" target="_blank">Learn & Master Series.</a> </td></tr> <tr align="center"><td width="780" colspan="3" align="center"><a name="Learn & Master Courses" id="Learn & Master Courses" href="http://www.learnandmaster.com/985-15-3-7.html" target="_blank">Order your copies today!</a></td></tr></table> <table width="780" height="207" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="Table_01"> <tr> <td> <a name="Learn & Master Ballroom Dancing" id="Learn & Master Ballroom Dancing" href="http://www.learnandmaster.com/985-11-3-4.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.learnandmaster.com/images/email/lm_dance.jpg" alt="Learn & Master Ballroom Dancing" width="162" height="207" border="0"></a></td> <td> <a name="Learn & Master Drums" id="Learn & Master Drums" href="http://www.learnandmaster.com/985-10-3-2.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.learnandmaster.com/images/email/lm_drums.jpg" alt="Learn & Master Drums" width="154" height="207" border="0"></td> <td> <a name="Learn & Master Guitar" id="Learn & Master Guitar" href="http://www.learnandmaster.com/985-8-3-1.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.learnandmaster.com/images/email/lm_guitar.jpg" alt="Learn & Master Guitar" width="148" height="207" border="0"></td> <td> <a name="Learn & Master Piano" id="Learn & Master Piano" href="http://www.learnandmaster.com/985-9-3-3.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.learnandmaster.com/images/email/lm_piano.jpg" alt="Learn & Master Piano" width="154" height="207" border="0"></td> <td> <a name="Learn & Master Painting" id="Learn & Master Painting" href="http://www.learnandmaster.com/985-27-3-23.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.learnandmaster.com/images/email/lm_painting.jpg" alt="Learn & Master Painting" width="162" height="207" border="0"></td> </tr> <tr align="center"><td width="780" colspan="5" align="center"><a name="Learn & Master Courses" id="Learn & Master Courses" href="http://www.learnandmaster.com/985.html" target="_blank"> OTHER COURSES AVAILABLE FROM LEGACY LEARNING SYSTEMS!</a> <a name="Learn & Master Courses" id="Learn & Master Courses" href="http://www.learnandmaster.com/985-15-3-7.html" target="_blank">www.learnandmaster.com/homeschool</a></td></tr></table>

THSM :: Teaching science, Webquests, Trustful Parenting, and more

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 10:00:00 GMT

<div style="padding: 10px 15px 0 15px; "> <div id="masthead" style="background-color:#FFFFCC; "> <table width="100%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" height="120"> <td width="310" style="background-color:#FFFFCC"><img src="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/images/masthead_nl.gif" alt="TheHomeSchoolMom.com" border="0"></a></td> <td valign="middle" style="background-color:#FFFFCC"><div id="globalNav" style="clear:both; text-align:right; font-size:12px; padding: 20px "> <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/" title="Bringing you the best free homeschool resources">Home</a> | <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/newsletter/" title="Free monthly homeschool newsletter from TheHomeSchoolMom">Newsletters</a> | <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/newtohomeschooling/" title="New to homeschooling?">New to Homeschooling</a> | <a style="color: #990033; 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margin: 0; padding: 5px; text-decoration:none; list-style:none"><a style="display: block; padding: 5px; color: #000000; text-decoration: none" href="http://www.sitesforteachers.com/cgi-bin/in.cgi?id=maryann">Sites for teachers</A></li> <li style="border-top: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 0; padding: 5px; text-decoration:none; list-style:none"><a style="display: block; padding: 5px; color: #000000; text-decoration: none" href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/gettingorganized/planner.php#monthly">2009 Monthly Calendar </A></li> </ul></div> </td></tr></table></td> <td valign="top"><div id="content" style="float: left; text-align: left; margin-bottom: 10px; border: none; background-color: #FFFFFF; margin-right: 10px; margin-left: 15px"> <DIV class="story" style="clear: both; padding: 10px 0px 0px 10px"> TheHomeSchoolMom's Free Homeschool Resources - September, 2009 <a name="contents"></a>~~~~Contents ~~~~ <ol> <li><a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="#editor"> From the Editor</a> </li> <li><a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="#updates">Website Updates</a> </li> <li><a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="#sponsortop">Homeschool Math Curriculum </a> (Our Sponsor) </li> <li><a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="#sites">Educational Resources </a> </li> <li><a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="#sponsormid">Free Social Studies Lesson Plans </a> (Our Sponsor) </li> <li><a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="#seen_online">Recently Seen Online</a></li> <li><a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="#article">Article - The Seven Biggest Mistakes Made in Teaching Science And What to Do About Them</a> by Aurora Lipper</li> </ol> <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/newsletter/">Subscribe to this newsletter</a> <a name="editor">1. From the Editor</a> I would like to welcome our newest website sponsor, <a href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/links/index.php?id=lesson_pathways">Lesson Pathways</a>. Lesson Pathways are learning paths that are created with prescreened, high-quality, online resources and are arranged with dynamic topic unit "Pathways" for grades K-3.  Each Pathway contains resources that cater to a variety of learning styles and instructional methods. I really like this resource - please <a href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/links/index.php?id=lesson_pathways">check it out</a>! It is CYT (Christian Youth Theater) audition time again, and my daughter is very excited to be participating in our local production of Alice in Wonderland. I was never a "theater kid" growing up, but I have come to love the theater through her experiences with CYT. If you have a local chapter and have a child that might be interested in musical theater, I encourage you to check it out. It has been a wonderful experience for us as I have watched my daughter gain confidence and experience. http://www.cyt.org/ Warm regards, Mary Ann Kelley Editor <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="#contents">Back to the Table of Contents</a> <a name="updates"></a>2. TheHomeSchoolMom.com Website Updates <ul> <li><a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href=http://thehomeschoolmom.com/schoolroom/calendar/september.php>September Homeschooling Resources Calendar</a></li> <li><a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href=http://answermom.com/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi/archive/siteweek/20090826104940/>SOTW: Educator.com</a></li> <li><a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href=http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/schoolroom/white_house.php>The White House</a> </li> <li> <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href=></a> </li> <li><a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/states/" title="Local homeschool support groups, classes, co-ops, conventions, and more">Local support and classes</a></li> </ul> <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="#contents">Back to the Table of Contents</a> <a name="sponsortop"></a> 3. <a href="http://www.mathmammoth.com/complete-curriculum.php?utm_source=hsmom&utm_medium=nl&utm_campaign=sep2009" title="Math Mammoth Complete Math Curriculum">Math Mammoth </a> (our sponsor) <table border="0" cellpadding="10"> <tr> <td> <a href="http://www.mathmammoth.com/complete-curriculum.php?utm_source=hsmom&utm_medium=nl&utm_campaign=sep2009" title="Math Mammoth Complete Math Curriculum"><img border="0" width="199" height="199" id="_x0000_i1025" src="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/images/ad/mathmammoth200x200b.gif"></a> </td> <td valign="top"> Download your package of 280+ FREE sample pages at <a href="http://www.mathmammoth.com/free?utm_source=hsmom&utm_medium=nl&utm_campaign=sep2009">www.mathmammoth.com/free</a> For homeschoolers: <ul type="disc"> <li>A <a href="http://www.mathmammoth.com/complete-curriculum.php?utm_source=hsmom&utm_medium=nl&utm_campaign=sep2009">complete curriculum</a> for grades 1-5 (Light Blue Series). Downloads $29.70 per grade - printed copies also available! Check the placement tests & FAQ's on the site for more info. </li> </ul> OR <ul type="disc"> <li>24 <a href="http://www.mathmammoth.com/blue-series.php?utm_source=hsmom&utm_medium=nl&utm_campaign=may2009">topic-specific worktexts</a> for grades 1-5 (the original Blue Series) Prices from $2 to $5.50 per worktext (won't break your bank!). Blue Series books are great for initial teaching, review, or supplements.</li> </ul> </li> </ul> </td> </tr> </table> <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="#contents">Back to the Table of Contents</a> �� <a name="sites"></a>4. Educational Resources <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://www.hunkinsexperiments.com">Hunkin's Experiments </a> "Cool cartoons that will have you experimenting with food, light, sound, clothes, and a whole lot more!! Hundreds of cartoon experiments from cartoonist, broadcaster and engineer Tim Hunkin." <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://www.hunkinsexperiments.com">http://www.hunkinsexperiments.com</a> <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://www.smithsonianeducation.org/educators/">Smithsonian Education </a> Mixed in with resources for sale on this site are the Smithsonian's free lesson plans (PDF downloads), virtual tours, activities and more on a variety of topics. You may search by topic, grade level, and keyword to find specific resources. <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://www.smithsonianeducation.org/educators/">http://www.smithsonianeducation.org/educators/</a> <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://webquest.org/search/index.php">Web Quests </a> A webquest is "an inquiry-oriented activity in which some or all of the information that learners interact with comes from resources on the internet". They are excellent tools for unit or topical studies when combined with lessons about how to evaluate the reliability of online resources. Webquest.org is an online database of WebQuests maintained by San Diego State University that currently contains over 2500 WebQuests. The database can be searched by keyword or browsed by grade level and/or topic. <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://webquest.org/search/index.php">http://webquest.org/search/index.php</a> <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://www.stevespanglerscience.com/experiments/">Steve Spangler Science </a> In addition to supplying just about any science resource you can imagine, this website has a large selection of experiments (with pictures of the processes) on a wide variety of topics. This man makes science fun! I only wish that I lived close enough to attend one of his seminars (see Teacher Training on the website). <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://www.stevespanglerscience.com/experiments/">http://www.stevespanglerscience.com/experiments/</a> <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="#contents">Back to the Table of Contents</a> <a name="sponsormid"></a> 5. <a href="http://www.americanheritage.org" title="Free social studies lesson plans">Free Social Studies Lesson Plans </a> (Our Sponsor) <table border="0" cellpadding="0"> <tr> <td> <a href="http://www.americanheritage.org" title="Free social studies lesson plans"><img border="0" id="_x0000_i1025" src="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/images/ad/americanheritageCurves220by200.gif"></a> </td> <td><a href="http://www.americanheritage.org" title="Free social studies lesson plans">America’s Heritage: An Adventure in Liberty</a> <ul type="disc"> <li>To help teach America’s factual, philosophical heritage, history, and founding principles.</li> <li>Utilized by homeschoolers, teachers, and schools in all 50 states to learn about America's goodness and greatness!</li> <li>Social studies, US history, US government, civics, economics, geography, reading, music, and related subjects.</li> <li>Over 78,000 CD’s distributed and over 1,210,000 students taught!</li> <li>Available at no cost to users for educational purposes! $150 value!</li> <li>Written by a team of professional educators over 3 years at a cost of $388,000.</li> <li>Meets all major national standards and guidelines and advanced testing guidelines.</li> <li>Tested and proven to raise social studies scores!</li> <li>Easy to use. No teacher training required! Award-winning design and presentation!</li> </ul> Download/order your free resource at <a href="http://www.americanheritage.org">www.americanheritage.org</a></td> </tr> </table> <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="#contents">Back to the Table of Contents</a> <a name="seen_online"></a>6. Recently Seen Online <a href=http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/freedom-learn/200908/trustful-parenting-may-require-alternative-conventional-schooling>Trustful Parenting May Require an Alternative to Conventional Schooling </a> "My last several posts (before I went on vacation for two weeks) were about trustful parenting, the forces that work against it today, and ways of overcoming those forces. As I pointed out in the July 29 post, I think that the most powerful social force interfering with trustful parenting in our time is the school system. The power of schools over children and families has increased steadily over the decades, to the point where it is almost impossible now to be a trustful parent of a child in a typical public or private school..." <a href=http://www.khou.com/news/local/education/stories/khou090820_jj_school-zome-home-schooled.fcbb1a30.html>School zone: Benefits to home-schooling</a> Short article about the growth of homeschooling from a Texas news outlet <a href=http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/200703/trashing-teens>Trashing Teens </a> "Psychologist Robert Epstein argues in a provocative book, 'The Case Against Adolescence,' that teens are far more competent than we assume, and most of their problems stem from restrictions placed on them." See more on <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/teacherslounge/seen_online/index.php">TheHomeSchoolMom.com</a> <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="#contents">Back to the Table of Contents</a> <a name="article"></a>7. Article - The Seven Biggest Mistakes Made in Teaching Science And What to Do About Them by Aurora Lipper of <a href="http://www.SuperchargedScience.com">Supercharged Science</a> Did you have a teacher that really had an impact on you? Remember the excitement?  Or the thrill you felt when you taught something to someone else and they really got it? First, let me thank you for your commitment to education – a value that is high enough for you that you are stretching for resources to help you reach your goals. In this article, I am going to share with you some of the common mistakes that educators often make.  If you’ve fallen prey to one or more of these, it simply means that no one told you about them yet.  Once you know, you can then focus on solutions.  Or, perhaps you’ll find that you are already on track, and this may reaffirm that you are headed in the right direction.  Are you ready?  Let’s begin. Mistake #1.  Failure to make an impact. In today’s world, we’re so inundated with information that in order to really teach something new, you need to get someone’s attention.  Think about food commercials.  Advertisers first focus on getting you hooked, catching your eye – before they ever deliver their real message.  And that’s what you need to do when teaching science. You’ve got stack the deck with things that inspire natural curiosity.  Hand them a bucket and ask them to tilt it completely sideways without a single drop of water coming out.  (When you hand them the bucket, don’t touch the handle.  Just hand it over from the bottom.   Let them make that jump themselves.) How do you know when you’re doing this right?  You know you’ve made an impact when your kid’s entire body says, “WOW!”, complete with the eye bulge, slack-jaw, blank stare that accompany this universal state of brain-pretzel.  So how do you do that? Easy.  Just do the opposite of what they currently expect from you.  If you’re as neat as a pin, slosh a bit of water on the floor while slinging a bucketful around your head, asking them what they know about g-force and physics.  If you’re shy about electricity, poke a paperclip and a penny into a juicy lemon and ask them to stick their tongue on both contacts, because you’re not sure what will happen.  Get and do things that are different enough to get their brain pumping and to put the fun back into it for you, too.  If you’re planning to demonstrate the reaction of baking soda and vinegar (which produces carbon dioxide gas, the same stuff you exhale), first ask your kid, “Have you ever burped before?”  Mistake #2. Give away the ending. How often in textbooks or classrooms have you seen this one?  Every detail in the project is outlined step-by-step, leaving no room for questions, speculation, or new ideas.  No scientist in their right mind will design, set up, and execute a scientific experiment if they already know the ending! This mistake often has the undertone of being in a rush.  Learning takes time, and it needs to go through different stages to make a lasting impression.  Just as a farmer can’t plant crops too late in the season, then try to rush them to grow, certain aspects of learning takes time.  For real learning that lasts, your child needs to focus on activities that allow the natural process of discovery, wonder, and exploration.  During this process, questions formulate, ideas flow, and true learning takes place from the inside out.  Short-cutting this process (by outlining exactly what to do and how to do it) will kill your child’s passion for science, which is defined as “the effort to discover and understand how the physical world works”. When a kid asks, “Do you think this will work?” remember that it’s just a test.  What they’re really asking is, “Can I try it?”  To which you can confidently answer, “I don’t know.  Try it!” To continue our example of the baking-soda-and-vinegar reaction: After you’ve asked your child about burping, show them the chemical reaction and ask them about the bubbles they see rising out of the cup.  (Solid, liquid, or gas?) Then casually ask, “What if we do this again, but this time put the lid on?” Mistake #3. No space for the job. Once your child excited enough about something that they want to take it and run, your next task is to give them what they need!  Now, kids need their own space. However, parents worldwide go crazy with the pack-rat syndrome kids seems to have.  Here’s a solution to make both parties happy. In a corner, set up a table that’s all theirs.  No touching.  This is for two important reasons: first, it’s a lesson in organization waiting to happen.  When they whine to you that they can’t find something, you can honestly shrug and say with empathy, “Gosh, I haven’t seen it – it’s not my space.  What are you going to do?” The second reason is more subtle, but even more important.  How safe will your kid feel discovering and exploring, creating and building if you whirlwind through there every so often and clean it up?  Make sure this kid-zone has boundaries, or it will take over your house.  For instance, throw down a rug under the table.  Now, anything that floats off the rug is yours to keep.  And when company comes over, the flowery tablecloth goes over the whole shebang. To continue with our chemistry lesson example, tell your kid to explore this idea outside. Mistake #4. Withholding the tools. So often, we believe that by reading lots of books filled packed with knowledge, we will instantly understand everything and get a real education. While this may work for other subjects, science is one that needs tools, equipment, and space.  This is the one subject where books are not only a source of inspiration, but can also be used as stepstools, ramps, inclined planes, tunnels, weights, and platforms. Remember the table you’re setting up?  Great families stash three baskets underneath.  Let’s peek inside: <ul type="disc"> <li>Basket 1. Materials. paper, rubber bands, straws, string, paper clips, brass fasteners, balloons, popsicle sticks (two different sizes), index cards, skewers, and clothespins.</li> <li>Basket 2. Tools.  Clear, masking, duct, electrical, and packing tape.  Stapler, hole punch, (low-temp) hot glue gun, and scissors.</li> <li>Basket 3. Clean Junk. Water bottles, berry baskets, soda bottles, six-pack ring holders, packing foam (big pieces are great), film canisters, egg cartons, soup cans, milk jug tops, yogurt lids, butter tubs, and coffee tins.</li> </ul> Arm your table with these and stand back… way back.  Your child will race in with excitement now that you’ve set up an environment what supports their freedom to create and build. Mistake #5. Fear of making mistakes. Honestly, now… when do you learn more?  When you make mistakes, or when you get it right?  And how many of us have a hard time letting our kids make mistakes? Edison made thousands of mistakes before he invented the light bulb. Or did he?  His “failures” resulted in the basis for the internal combustion engine, electrical wiring for your house, and hundreds of other things we use every day.  Remember that you always get to choose what something means to you.  You can choose to forget about it, or to learn from it. When your young chemist is outside and accidentally spills the entire jug of vinegar into your full box of baking soda, just take a breath and say, “Gosh – I’ll bet you didn’t expect that to happen.  Now what are you going to do?”  Make sure you really feel empathy and interest for them, or they’ll feel that, too. Mistake #6. Having no acuity. Have you ever had the experience of someone talking to you about something that you had absolutely no interest in whatsoever, but because you were so polite about it, they thought you did?  Or worse, you’ve been on the other side of that conversation, thinking someone was interested in what you had to say when they really weren’t? Kids feel the same way. As a teacher, educator, coach, and guide, your job is not only to hook them, you need to be aware that kids are different, and not every one of them fits into your method of teaching.  You need to be aware of how your child learns as well as what motivates them.  Once you accomplish that, you’ve got the keys to getting them open and ready for your message.  Kids can be visual, auditory, kinesthetic, or digital learners.  You can easily tell by asking them to describe something.  If they use words like ‘see’, ‘picture this, or ‘look’, then they’re predominately visual.  Words like ‘hear’ and ‘listen’ are most found in auditory learners  (you’ll also notice more tone inflections and temp changes in their actual voice).  Kinesthetic learners often describe what something feels like. Digital kids base their decisions entirely on logic. What motivates your child?  “Fire behind” kids need to know what would happen if they didn’t do something.  “Fire in front” kids are motivated into action by painting a picture of how great things can be if they do take action.  You probably know already which your kid fits into best. Kids can also be predominately mis-matchers or matchers.  Throw three quarters down and ask your kids what they see.  Mis-matchers will find the one quarter that is different and tell you about it.  Matchers will find everything they have in common, like the year, shininess, or all ‘tails’. Knowing how your child processes how they see the world will give you the awareness on how to best set up their educational experience to fulfill their needs.  Awareness is always the first step.  If you know your mis-matcher chemist is a fire-in-front kinesthetic learner, and just walked away from the mess he left on the back deck, then simply say, “Feel free to join us for ice cream after you’ve cleaned up what you’ve got going on out here.” There’s nothing for them to mis-match (you’ve taken the power-struggle out by stating a fact, not a question), you painted a picture of the future (ice cream), and tapped into their kinesthetic senses (‘feel free’ and the image of the ice cream). Mistake #7. Don’t link up new with old. If you’ve ever tried to cram for a test, you know what happens the week afterwards… you can’t recall most of it!  You spent all that time, effort, and energy memorizing, only to forget it shortly afterwards. Now why is that? The only way the human brain ever learns anything is by relating something new with something you already know.  It’s basic psychology. So how do you do that? Your chemist decided to clean up the mess after all, and now he’s washing his hands before the ice cream is served.  As he scrubs, he notices something interesting… dirty water goes down the drain, but clean water comes out of the faucet.  What gives? A lot of parents feel uncomfortable on this hot seat, only because they are still under the impression that they have to know all the answers.  Nothing could be further from the truth. Your job is to ask questions, to get curious, and to model this for your child.  Here’s how one parent handled this: “Mom!  Where does clean water come from?”  he stamps out of the bathroom, eyes wide. “Hmmm… tell me more.”  Mom stalls for time as she racks her brain on how to explain activated carbon and water filtration to a six year old. “Well, dirty water goes down the drain, and clean water comes out.  How come?” “Well, have you ever seen me make pasta?” “Yeah.” “How do I get the pasta out of the water when it’s done?” Mom smiles. Kid is thinking, what is that thing called?  “A strainer!” he shouts with triumph. “Yep.  Now, can you imagine the holes being small enough to catch the dirt in the water? Good…” and off they go in a discussion of bugs, mud, and germs. Mom related this new idea with something the young kid already had experience with.  And you can, too. There you have it – the seven most common mistakes made when teaching science.  In fact, these apply to many other subjects in their own way.  Few of us ever had a class or mentor to teach us how to teach, or how to make the biggest impact on a child’s education.  Do whatever you have to in order to do it right.  Read books, get online courses, find a mentor, get a good educational coach, and model a successful teacher. _______________________________ Learn enormously valuable teaching strategies and get your hands on impressive science projects through our science programs.  Since 1996, Aurora Lipper has been helping families learn science.  As a mechanical engineer, university instructor, pilot, astronomer, and rocket scientist, Aurora can transform toilet paper tubes into real working radios and make laser light shows from Tupperware.  Visit our website to download your free copy of the Science Activity Guide at <a href="http://www.SuperchargedScience.com">www.SuperchargedScience.com</a>. <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="#contents">Back to the Table of Contents</a> © 2009 TheHomeSchoolMom.Com Permission is granted to forward this newsletter in its entirety for non-commercial purposes. All other uses require permission from the Publisher. </div> </div> </td> </tr> </table> </div>  <div id="siteInfo" style="clear: both; border: 1px solid #cccc99; font-size: 90%; color: #333333; padding: 10px; text-align: left; margin-top: 20px"> <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/aboutus.php">About Us</a> | <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/sitemap.php">Site Map</a> | <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/advertise.php">Advertise</a> | <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/privacy.php">Privacy Policy</a> | <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/contact.php">Contact Us</a> | ©2000-2009 TheHomeSchoolMom.com</div>

Notebooking Pages 50% Off Entire Store

Fri, 07 Aug 2009 14:44:00 GMT

<div id="masthead" style="background-color:#FFFFCC; "> <table width="700px" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" height="120"> <td width="310" style="background-color:#FFFFCC"><img src="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/images/masthead_nl.gif" alt="TheHomeSchoolMom.com" border="0"></a></td> <td valign="middle" style="background-color:#FFFFCC"><div id="globalNav" style="clear:both; text-align:right; font-size:12px; padding: 20px "> <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/" title="Bringing you the best free homeschool resources">Home</a> | <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/newsletter/" title="Free monthly homeschool newsletter from TheHomeSchoolMom">Newsletters</a> | <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/newtohomeschooling/" title="New to homeschooling?">New to Homeschooling</a> | <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/gettingorganized/" title="Organizing your home and school">Getting Organized</a> | <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://www.theh omeschoolmom.com/kitchen/" title="Cooking helps for busy homeschool moms">In the Kitchen</a> | <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/teacherslounge/homeschooling_highschool.php" title="Support and resources for homeschooling high school">High School</a> | <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/teacherslounge/college.php" title="Preparing homeschoolers for college, including help with transcripts and admissions">College</a> | <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/support/" title="Local homeschool resources like support groups and conventions">Local Support and Classes</a> | <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/teacherslounge/" title="Homeschool helps for mom">Teachers' Lounge</a> | <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/schoolroom/" title="Thousands of free lesson plans, worksheets, and activities from TheHomeSchoolMom.com">School Room</a> | <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://www.menus4moms.com/store/" title="Weekly dinner menus with recipes and grocery list">Dinner Menus for Busy Moms </a> </div></td> </td> </table> </div> <div style="padding-top: 15px; border: 0px none"> <table border="0" width="700px" style="text-align:left"> <tr> <td valign="top" colspan="2"><div style="padding: 10px; ">   <a href="http://www.notebookingpages.com/store/affiliates/npc.php?id=1076_1_bid_53">Notebooking Pages Back to School Sale - 50% off the Entire Store</a> Today is the last day of NotebookingPages' huge 50% off back to school sale! If you've been waiting for a sale, this is it -time to stock up! <table border="0" cellpadding="00"> <tr> <td valign="top" width="458"> Debra from Notebooking Pages sent me this announcement and I didn't want my readers to miss out. Unfortunately I didn't get it sent out right away because I've been really busy and today is the last day of the sale! Every product and specially priced combo set is 50% off! You can get ALL of their products for $50 - save almost $90 - and get a bonus gift pack! Use discount code b2school09 to receive 50% off all notebooking products. Insert the code during your checkout process. </td> <td valign="top"><a href="http://www.notebookingpages.com/store/affiliates/npc.php?id=1076_1_bid_53"><img src="http://www.notebookingpages.com/store/affiliates/image.php?bid=53&mid=1076" width="200" height="200" border="0"/ style="padding-left: 10px"></a></td> </tr> </table> I love Notebooking Pages resources for notebooking, lapbooking, display boards, and unit studies and more. I recommend buying the full set because they will be so useful over and over through your homeschool years. Customers buying the full set will receive a FREE bonus e-gift package from the following publishers: <ul> <li> Joyous Home</li> <li> Homemaking 911</li> <li> Living Books Curriculum</li> <li> My Audio School</li> <li> Harmony Fine Arts & The Outdoor Hour Challenge</li> <li> Living on a Dime</li> <li> A Virtuous Woman</li> <li> Lilliput Station</li> <li> Me & My House Ministries</li> </ul> <a href="http://www.notebookingpages.com/store/affiliates/npc.php?id=1076_1_bid_53">NotebookingPages.com Back to School 50% Off Sale</a>   </div> </td> </tr> </table> </div>  <div id="siteInfo" style="clear: both; border: 1px solid #cccc99; font-size: 90%; color: #333333; padding: 10px; text-align: left; margin-top: 20px"> <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/aboutus.php">About Us</a> | <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/sitemap.php">Site Map</a> | <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/advertise.php">Advertise</a> | <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/privacy.php">Privacy Policy</a> | <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/contact.php">Contact Us</a> | ©2009 TheHomeSchoolMom.com</div>

THSM :: HS Travel, Butterflies, Environment, Math, Privacy Concerns and More

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 12:00:00 GMT

<img src="http://answermom.com/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi/spacer_image/thsm/20090803080003/spacer.png" /> <div style="padding: 10px 15px 0 15px; "> <div id="masthead" style="background-color:#FFFFCC; "> <table width="100%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" height="120"> <td width="310" style="background-color:#FFFFCC"><img src="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/images/masthead_nl.gif" alt="TheHomeSchoolMom.com" border="0"></a></td> <td valign="middle" style="background-color:#FFFFCC"><div id="globalNav" style="clear:both; text-align:right; font-size:12px; padding: 20px "> <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/" title="Bringing you the best free homeschool resources">Home</a> | <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/newsletter/" title="Free monthly homeschool newsletter from TheHomeSchoolMom">Newsletters</a> | <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/newtohomeschooling/" title="New to homeschooling?">New to Homeschooling</a> | <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/gettingorganized/" title="Organizing your home and school">Getting Organized</a> | <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://www.th ehomeschoolmom.com/kitchen/" title="Cooking helps for busy homeschool moms">In the Kitchen</a> | <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/teacherslounge/homeschooling_highschool.php" title="Support and resources for homeschooling high school">High School</a> | <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/teacherslounge/college.php" title="Preparing homeschoolers for college, including help with transcripts and admissions">College</a> | <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/support/" title="Local homeschool resources like support groups and conventions">Local Support and Classes</a> | <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/teacherslounge/" title="Homeschool helps for mom">Teachers' Lounge</a> | <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/schoolroom/" title="Thousands of free lesson plans, worksheets, and activities from TheHomeSchoolMom.com">School Room</a> | <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://www.menus4moms.com/store/" title="Weekly dinner menus with recipes and grocery list">Dinner Menus for Busy Moms </a> </div></td> </td> </table> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 0 0 10px 15px; border: 0px none"> <table width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0"> <tr> <td width="120px" valign="top"> <table width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tr><td><div style="text-align: left; color: #FFFFFF; background-color:#FFFFCC "><h3 style="margin: 0; padding: 10px; color: #000000; background-color: #FCF57C">Homeschool resource links </h3> <ul style="display: block; 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list-style:none"><a style="display: block; padding: 5px; color: #000000; text-decoration: none" href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/schoolroom/">Lesson plans and resources </A></li> <li style="border-top: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 0; padding: 5px; text-decoration:none; list-style:none"><a style="display: block; padding: 5px; color: #000000; text-decoration: none" href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/schoolroom/unitstudies.php">Unit studies</A></li> <li style="border-top: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 0; padding: 5px; text-decoration:none; list-style:none"><a style="display: block; padding: 5px; color: #000000; text-decoration: none" href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/schoolroom/holidays.php">Current events & holidays</A></li> <li style="border-top: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 0; padding: 5px; text-decoration:none; list-style:none"><a style="display: block; padding: 5px; color: #000000; text-decoration: none" href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/schoolroom/onlinebooks.php">Online books</A></li> <li style="border-top: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 0; padding: 5px; text-decoration:none; list-style:none"><a style="display: block; padding: 5px; color: #000000; text-decoration: none" href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/newsletter/">Newsletter archives</A></li> <li style="border-top: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 0; padding: 5px; text-decoration:none; list-style:none"><a style="display: block; padding: 5px; color: #000000; text-decoration: none" href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/teacherslounge/articles/">Homeschool articles</A></li> <li style="border-top: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 0; padding: 5px; text-decoration:none; list-style:none"><a style="display: block; padding: 5px; color: #000000; text-decoration: none" href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/teacherslounge/styles/">Homeschool styles</A></li> </ul> </div> </td></tr></table> <table width="100%" cellspacing="0"> <tr><td><div style="text-align: left; color: #FFFFFF; background-color:#FFFFCC "><h3 style="margin: 0; padding: 10px; color: #000000; background-color: #FCF57C"> Family and home resources </h3> <ul style="display: block; margin: 0; padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; text-decoration:none"> <li style="border-top: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 0; padding: 5px; text-decoration:none; list-style:none"><a style="display: block; padding: 5px; color: #000000; text-decoration: none" href="http://www.menus4moms.com/">Weekly dinner menus</A></li> <li style="border-top: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 0; padding: 5px; text-decoration:none; list-style:none"><a style="display: block; padding: 5px; color: #000000; text-decoration: none" href="http://www.menus4moms.com/articles/">Cooking articles</A></li> <li style="border-top: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 0; padding: 5px; text-decoration:none; list-style:none"><a style="display: block; padding: 5px; color: #000000; text-decoration: none" href="http://www.menus4moms.com/lunch/lunch.php">Lunch ideas</A></li> <li style="border-top: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 0; padding: 5px; text-decoration:none; list-style:none"><a style="display: block; padding: 5px; color: #000000; text-decoration: none" href="http://www.sitesforparents.com/perl/rankem.pcgi?id=butler">Sites for parents</A></li> <li style="border-top: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 0; padding: 5px; text-decoration:none; list-style:none"><a style="display: block; padding: 5px; color: #000000; text-decoration: none" href="http://www.sitesforteachers.com/cgi-bin/in.cgi?id=maryann">Sites for teachers</A></li> <li style="border-top: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 0; padding: 5px; text-decoration:none; list-style:none"><a style="display: block; padding: 5px; color: #000000; text-decoration: none" href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/gettingorganized/planner.php#monthly">2009 Monthly Calendar </A></li> </ul></div> </td></tr></table></td> <td valign="top"><div id="content" style="float: left; text-align: left; margin-bottom: 10px; border: none; background-color: #FFFFFF; margin-right: 10px; margin-left: 15px"> <DIV class="story" style="clear: both; padding: 10px 0px 0px 10px"> TheHomeSchoolMom's Free Homeschool Resources - August, 2009 <a name="contents"></a>~~~~Contents ~~~~ <ol> <li><a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="#editor"> From the Editor</a> </li> <li><a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="#updates">Website Updates</a> </li> <li><a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="#sponsortop">Homeschool Math Curriculum </a> (Our Sponsor) </li> <li><a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="#sites">Educational Resources </a> </li> <li><a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="#sponsormid">Time 4 Learning </a> (Our Sponsor) </li> <li><a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="#seen_online">Recently Seen Online</a></li> <li><a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="#article">Article - When Kids Use the Internet for Research</a> by Barbara Frank</li> </ol> <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/newsletter/">Subscribe to this newsletter</a> <a name="editor">1. From the Editor</a> St. Augustine said..."The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page." I recently learned of a new site for homeschooling families that will help you "read more than one page" by showing you how to find almost free travel accommodations! The Neighborhood site was started by a homeschooling family last year and is dedicated to help homeschooling families educate their children through travel. They do this through the home and hospitality exchange concept. The Neighborhood is offering a free one-year membership to all subscribers of TheHomeSchoolMom newsletters. To claim your membership, visit <a href="http://hsneighbor.com">http://hsneighbor.com</a>, click on "join now" and follow the instructions. When you see the promo-code box, enter 5812. This bypasses the shopping cart and lets you begin working on your home listing immediately. To be eligible for the free membership, listing must include one photo and be completed by Sep. 1, 2009. Here is what a Neighborhood member from Canada has to say about the program: <blockquote> Being a family of six makes travel costs somewhat prohibitive, so home exchange opens up possibilities that would otherwise be out of our budget. Exchanging with home school families offers more opportunities to travel outside the months of July & August...We look forward to building relationships with home schoolers around the globe through shared travel experiences… </blockquote> Enjoy, and let me know about your travel experiences with The Neighborhood! Warm regards, Mary Ann Kelley Editor <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="#contents">Back to the Table of Contents</a> <a name="updates"></a>2. TheHomeSchoolMom.com Website Updates <ul> <li><a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href=http://thehomeschoolmom.com/schoolroom/calendar/august.php>August Homeschooling Resources Calendar</a></li> <li><a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href=http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/teacherslounge/homeschooling_costs.php>Homeschooling Costs</a></li> <li> <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="/http://answermom.com/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi/archive/siteweek/20090729125041">SOTW: Apollo 11</a></li> <li><a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://answermom.com/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi/archive/thsm/20090702132756/"> July Newsletter</a></li> <li><a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href=http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/schoolroom/patriots_day.php>Patriots' Day</a> </li> <li><a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href=http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/schoolroom/hispanic.php>Hispanic Heritage</a> </li> <li> <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href=http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/teacherslounge/articles/teenagers_direct_education.php>Teenagers - You Could Direct Your Own Education</a> </li> <li><a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/states/" title="Local homeschool support groups, classes, co-ops, conventions, and more">Local support and classes</a></li> </ul> <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="#contents">Back to the Table of Contents</a> <a name="sponsortop"></a> 3. <a href="http://www.mathmammoth.com/complete-curriculum.php?utm_source=hsmom&utm_medium=nl&utm_campaign=aug2009" title="Math Mammoth Complete Math Curriculum">Math Mammoth </a> (our sponsor) <table border="0" cellpadding="10"> <tr> <td> <a href="http://www.mathmammoth.com/complete-curriculum.php?utm_source=hsmom&utm_medium=nl&utm_campaign=aug2009" title="Math Mammoth Complete Math Curriculum"><img border="0" width="199" height="199" id="_x0000_i1025" src="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/images/ad/mathmammoth200x200b.gif"></a> </td> <td valign="top"> Download your package of 280+ FREE sample pages at <a href="http://www.mathmammoth.com/free">www.mathmammoth.com/free</a> For homeschoolers: <ul type="disc"> <li>A <a href="http://www.mathmammoth.com/complete-curriculum.php?utm_source=hsmom&utm_medium=nl&utm_campaign=aug2009">complete curriculum</a> for grades 1-5 (Light Blue Series). Downloads $29.70 per grade - printed copies also available! Check the placement tests & FAQ's on the site for more info. </li> </ul> OR <ul type="disc"> <li>24 <a href="http://www.mathmammoth.com/blue-series.php?utm_source=hsmom&utm_medium=nl&utm_campaign=may2009">topic-specific worktexts</a> for grades 1-5 (the original Blue Series) Prices from $2 to $5.50 per worktext (won't break your bank!). Blue Series books are great for initial teaching, review, or supplements.</li> </ul> </li> </ul> </td> </tr> </table> <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="#contents">Back to the Table of Contents</a> <a name="sites"></a>4. Educational Resources <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://www.butterflyschool.org">Butterfly School </a> From the Butterfly House at the Missouri Botanical Gardens, the Butterfly School website is a wealth of information for studying about or raising butterflies. We raised butterflies on year and the children thoroughly enjoyed it. In addition to step-by-step instructions for raising butterflies, this site has enough background information for a mini unit study. There are printables that could be used for a lapbook/notebook at <a href="http://www.homeschoolshare.com/butterfly_lapbook.php">Homeschool Share</a>. <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://www.butterflyschool.org">http://www.butterflyschool.org</a> <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://www.nationalgeographic.com/society/ngo/geobee/">National Geography Bee </a> "Each year thousands of schools in the United States participate in the National Geographic Bee using materials prepared by the National Geographic Society. The contest is designed to encourage teachers to include geography in their classrooms, spark student interest in the subject, and increase public awareness about geography. Schools with students in grades four through eight are eligible for this entertaining and challenging test of geographic knowledge." Specific instructions for registering homeschools are found on the "How to register" page. Registration deadline is October 19, 2009. <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://www.nationalgeographic.com/society/ngo/geobee/">http://www.nationalgeographic.com/society/ngo/geobee/</a> <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://dnr.wi.gov/eek/">Environmental Education for Kids </a> "EEK!" in an online electronic magazine for kids in grades 4-8 designed so they can learn more about the great outdoors. EEK is brought to you by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Included in the online magazine is a Teacher Pages section "designed to help you help your students use the EEK! website. The Teacher Pages include a variety of downloads and activities. I am impressed with the range and quality of material available at no cost. <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://dnr.wi.gov/eek/">http://dnr.wi.gov/eek/</a> <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://nlvm.usu.edu/">National Library of Virtual Manipulatives </a> "Learning and understanding mathematics, at every level, requires student engagement. Mathematics is not, as has been said, a spectator sport. Too much of current instruction fails to actively involve students. One way to address the problem is through the use of manipulatives, physical objects that help students visualize relationships and applications. We can now use computers to create virtual learning environments to address the same goals... Our Utah State University team is building Java-based mathematical tools and editors that allow us to create exciting new approaches to interactive mathematical instruction." The Internet-based version is free; the downloadable version is fee-based and includes a free trial offer. <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://nlvm.usu.edu/">http://nlvm.usu.edu/</a> <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="#contents">Back to the Table of Contents</a> <a name="sponsormid"></a> 5. <a href="http://www.time4learning.com/summer/Summer-Learning-Demos.htm?utm_source=HomeschoolMom&utm_medium=Email+Sponsorship&utm_term=demos+image&utm_content=HS+Mom+Aug+NL&utm_campaign=HomeschoolMom+Aug+Resources+NL" title="Time 4 Learning">Time 4 Learning </a> (Our Sponsor) <table cellpadding="20"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top"><a href="http://www.time4learning.com/summer/Summer-Learning-Demos.htm?utm_source=HomeschoolMom&utm_medium=Email+Sponsorship&utm_term=demos+image&utm_content=HS+Mom+Aug+NL&utm_campaign=HomeschoolMom+Aug+Resources+NL" title="Time 4 Learning"><img src="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/images/ad/T4L160x160-static-Vocab.jpg" border="0" height="160" width="160"></a> </td> <td>Want to see your kids motivated to learn? Time4Learning makes it fun! Tap the internet for multimedia lessons, activities and exercises that teach, painlessly. The PreK-8th grade curriculum includes: <ul> <li>Over 1,000 interactive lessons </li> <li>Math & algebra tutorials & printable worksheets </li> <li>Language arts, phonics & grammar </li> <li>Project-based reading activities </li> <li>Science (grades 1st - 6th) & social studies (grades 2nd - 7th)</li> <li>Detailed reporting for record keeping </li> <li>Lesson plans & teaching tools for parents </li> <li>A time-stamping feature on the activities (for attendance)</li> <li>And much more!</li> </ul> 100% satisfaction guaranteed! <a href="http://www.time4learning.com/summer/Summer-Learning-Demos.htm?utm_source=HomeschoolMom&utm_medium=Email+Sponsorship&utm_term=demos+link&utm_content=HS+Mom+Aug+NL&utm_campaign=HomeschoolMom+Aug+Resources+NL">Try demos</a> or <a href="http://www.time4learning.com/summer/Summer-Learning-Screenshots.htm?utm_source=HomeschoolMom&utm_medium=Email+Sponsorship&utm_term=screenshots+link&utm_content=HS+Mom+Aug+NL&utm_campaign=HomeschoolMom+Aug+Resources+NL">view screenshots</a>.</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="#contents">Back to the Table of Contents</a> <a name="seen_online"></a>6. Recently Seen Online <a href=http://www.chapman.edu/images/userImages/kim135/Page_10518/73-110.pdf>The Privacy Advantages of Homeschooling</a> A plain English article from attorney Louis P. Nappen regarding the collection of information by the public school systems in the US and how homeschooling avoids the invasion of privacy by the system. Published and made available by Chapman Law School. <a href=http://school.familyeducation.com/home-schooling/money-and-kids/38688.html>Homeschooling on a Budget</a> "What if I told you there were families providing an excellent education for their homeschooled child for $50 per year? And even for those of us who splurge on a few beautiful books occasionally, we can easily manage to keep our total expenses under $200 a year. Sound impossible? Here's how..." <a href=http://www.unschooling.com/library/essays/essay03.shtml>Inexpensive Educational Supplies</a> "How much are supplies for unschooling? It ranges somewhere between nothing and everything--the whole budget. Once a family starts to consider everything educational, even groceries and cleaning supplies are educational. For beginners, though, part of the trick is working on the definition of 'educational.'" <a href=http://www.history.org/History/teaching/groupTours/SchoolandYouth/homeschools.cfm>Williamsburg Special Events for Homeschoolers</a> During the year, Colonial Williamsburg designates several weeks as Homeschooler Experiences. In addition to the variety of activities and programming throughout the Historic Area, special programs are scheduled for homeschool participants including a variety of hands-on opportunities. Special rates are available during this period for homeschoolers. Groups or individuals are welcome. Sample itineraries are available, and electronic field trips are available on the website. See more on <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/teacherslounge/seen_online/index.php">TheHomeSchoolMom.com</a> <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="#contents">Back to the Table of Contents</a> <a name="article"></a>7. Article - When Kids Use the Internet for Research by Barbara Frank When I was in college, one of the so-called advantages of the Greek (fraternity/sorority) system was that its members had access to the completed tests and essays of past members. Thus they could memorize test answers instead of learning what was presented in class, and re-type the essays of others instead of writing their own. This saved those students all sorts of work; we who were not "Greek" felt it was an unfair advantage. But the bottom line was that these students didn't learn anything because they didn't have to read the assigned books, nor did they learn via the process of assembling information and giving it back to their professors in the form of essays. I imagine frat-house filing cabinets are collecting dust now that college students have access to the Internet. There are sites where they can go to find prewritten, high-graded essays that they can pass off as their own, thanks to the cut-and-paste function. And for the times when they actually have to do their own research and writing, there are sites like Wikipedia. Savvy teachers probably check Wikipedia's take on the assigned topic before they correct the essays so that they can tell who's been playing cut-and-paste there. But this doesn't solve the problem, which is that students are wasting their time and not learning anything, at least not much that's accurate. One solution to this would be to require students to write their essays while in the school library or classroom, using the books and materials available there, with no Internet access. For homeschoolers, this is much simpler. We can supervise our children more easily than a teacher can keep tabs on thirty students. By requiring our children to use only printed matter for research, they’ll learn the material and develop writing skills in the process, because we've removed the temptation of the Internet. But printed matter can be dated, and we've become accustomed to the immediacy of the Internet. Isn't there some way to take advantage of that immediacy? The good news is that there is. By requiring our children to use primary sources and reputable secondary sources, we can avoid the problems that occur when children are allowed to use Wikipedia and other sites that have sometimes proven to be inaccurate. On the Internet, primary sources are sites where the information is first generated. For example, for the activities of our president, children can visit <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov" title="Linkification: http://www.whitehouse.gov">http://www.whitehouse.gov</a>. Further government info can be found at <a href="http://www.usa.gov" title="Linkification: http://www.usa.gov">http://www.usa.gov</a>. For government statistics on employment and information on the labor market, go to <a href="http://www.bls.gov" title="Linkification: http://www.bls.gov">http://www.bls.gov</a>. Secondary sources are trusted entities that access primary sources. A large city newspaper like The New York Times or the Chicago Tribune is considered a secondary source. Newspapers are not as trusted as they once were; recent cases of lying reporters have tarnished their image, and budget cuts have forced them to reduce the number of editors who check on the sources used by reporters. Still, quoting a large newspaper should be considered fairly accurate, and certainly much better than Wikipedia (<a href="http://www.wikipedia.org" title="Linkification: http://www.wikipedia.org">http://www.wikipedia.org</a>), where anyone can post information or change what’s there. This is not to say that Wikipedia is not useful. I've allowed my teen daughter to use it as a jumping-off point, as it gives her a quick briefing on a topic. But she is then required to back up what she finds with research from trustworthy sources. For younger children and preteens, there’s a wonderful website that teaches children to be careful about believing information they find on the Internet. It’s called “All About Explorers” (<a href="http://www.allaboutexplorers.com" title="Linkification: http://www.allaboutexplorers.com">http://www.allaboutexplorers.com</a>), and it’s more than what it first appears to be. The site was cleverly designed by a group of teachers. It includes pages about several famous explorers, including Christopher Columbus. Here’s an excerpt from the page about him (<a href="http://www.allaboutexplorers.com/explorers/columbus.html" title="Linkification: http://www.allaboutexplorers.com/explorers/columbus.html">http://www.allaboutexplorers.com/explorers/columbus.html</a>): Columbus knew he had to make this idea of sailing, using a western route, more popular. So, he produced and appeared on infomercials which aired four times daily. Finally, the King and Queen of Spain called his toll-free number and agreed to help Columbus. Note that this is the third paragraph of the essay. The first two paragraphs did not include such obviously erroneous information. You’ll be able to tell very quickly if your child read the entire page or not by his reaction (or lack of one) to that third paragraph. Meanwhile, the child who merely lifts the essay from the site for pasting into an essay is in for a surprise! Also note that there’s a link at the bottom of the page which will lead your child to accurate information about the explorer in question (the teachers have already checked that information), plus printable activity pages and other features to aid in learning. The All About Explorers site also includes a page with lesson plans for teaching children about Internet research (<a href="http://www.allaboutexplorers.com/teachers" title="Linkification: http://www.allaboutexplorers.com/teachers">http://www.allaboutexplorers.com/teachers</a>). This site is a great tool for busy homeschooling parents, and it will help children understand why they shouldn’t believe something just because they read it on a website. Once they understand that, their future research will be more accurate, and they’ll not only learn more, but be well-prepared for the writing involved if they go to college. © 2009 Barbara Frank/Cardamom Publishers _______________________________ Barbara Frank is the mother of four homeschooled-from-birth children ages 16-25, a freelance writer/editor, and the author of “Life Prep for Homeschooled Teenagers, “The Imperfect Homeschooler’s Guide to Homeschooling,”and “Homeschooling Your Teenagers.” You'll find her on the Web at <a href="http://www.cardamompublishers.com/">www.cardamompublishers.com</a> and <a href="http://barbarafrankonline.com/">http://barbarafrankonline.com/</a> <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="#contents">Back to the Table of Contents</a> © 2009 TheHomeSchoolMom.Com Permission is granted to forward this newsletter in its entirety for non-commercial purposes. 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THSM :: Transcripts, Unschooling, Summer Fun, No-cost Homeschooling Resources

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:27:00 GMT

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text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="#updates">Website Updates</a> </li> <li><a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="#sponsortop">The Easy Truth About Homeschool Transcripts </a> (Our Sponsor) </li> <li><a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="#sites">Educational Resources </a> </li> <li><a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="#sponsormid">Homeschooling High School </a> (Our Sponsor) </li> <li><a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="#seen_online">Recently Seen Online</a></li> <li><a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="#article">Article - 5 Must-Have, No-Cost Resources for Homeschooling</a> by Terri Johnson</li> </ol> <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/newsletter/">Subscribe to this newsletter</a> <a name="editor">1. From the Editor</a> I'm excited to let you know that we have a large list of website updates and additions this week! We have been working for the past month to provide you with a new <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://thehomeschoolmom.com/schoolroom/" title="Homeschooling resources by subject">School Room page</a> that is easier to navigate and allows you to find relevant resources much more quickly from each topic page. In addition, we have added a <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://thehomeschoolmom.com/schoolroom/calendar/july.php" title="July Homeschooling Resource Calendar">Homeschooling Resource Calendar</a> to help you to integrate historical events during the month. The calendar links important dates in history to relevant online resources. I'd also like to mention that I received an email from MTV's True Life producer and they are looking for homeschooler for an upcoming episode. Deta ils are <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/true_life_homeschooled.php">here</a>. Enjoy the new resources and as always, we welcome your feedback. Warm regards, Mary Ann Kelley Editor <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="#contents">Back to the Table of Contents</a> <a name="updates"></a>2. TheHomeSchoolMom.com Website Updates <ul> <li><a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href=http://thehomeschoolmom.com/schoolroom/calendar/2009/july.php>July Homeschooling Resources Calendar</a></li> <li><a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href=http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/true_life_homeschooled.php>MTV True Life Looking for Homeschoolers</a></li> <li><a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href=http://answermom.com/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi/archive/siteweek/20090624122824/>SOTW: Geography Software Download</a></li> <li><a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href=http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/fun/free_summer_movies.php>Free and Discounted Summer Movies</a> </li> <li><a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href=http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/schoolroom/birds.php>Birds</a> </li> <li><a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href=http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/schoolroom/bats.php>Bats</a> </li> <li><a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href=http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/schoolroom/dolphins.php>Dolphins</a> </li> <li><a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href=http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/schoolroom/endangered_species.php>Endangered and Protected Species</a> </li> <li><a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href=http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/schoolroom/icebergs.php>Icebergs</a> </li> <li><a style="color: # 990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href=http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/schoolroom/mammals.php>Mammals</a> </li> <li><a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href=http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/schoolroom/pinocchio.php>Pinocchio</a> </li> <li><a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href=http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/schoolroom/gifted.php>Gifted Resources</a> </li> <li><a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href=http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/schoolroom/turtles.php>Turtles</a> </li> <li><a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href=http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/schoolroom/whales.php>Whales</a> </li> <li><a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href=http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/schoolroom/womens_history.php>US Women's History </a> </li> <li><a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href=http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/schoolroom/rocketry.php>Rocketry</a> </li> <li><a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href=http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/schoolroom/money.php>Money</a> </li> <li><a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href=http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/schoolroom/countries.php>Countries</a> </li> <li><a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href=http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/schoolroom/drama.php>Drama</a> </li> <li> <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href=http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/teacherslounge/articles/subdue_art_guilt.php>Subdue Guilt about Art Instruction in Your Homeschool</a> </li> <li> <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href=http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/teacherslounge/articles/easy_art_history_and_appreciation.php>Easy Art History and Appreciation</a> </li> <li> <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href=http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/teacherslounge/articles/you_can_teach_foreign_language.php>You CAN teach your children a Foreign Language: Part 1</a> </li> <li><a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/states/" title="Local homeschool support groups, classes, co-ops, conventions, and more">Local support and classes</a></li> </ul> <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="#contents">Back to the Table of Contents</a> <a name="sponsortop"></a> 3. <a href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/links/index.php?id=easytruth" title="The Easy Truth About Homeschool Transcripts">The Easy Truth About Homeschool Transcripts</a> (Our Sponsor) <table cellpadding="20"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="215"><a href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/links/index.php?id=easytruth" title="The Easy Truth About Homeschool Transcripts"><img src="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/images/ad/book_easytruth_3dsmall.jpg" border="0"></a> </td> <td width="532">Ever since Lee Binz' boys graduated, parents have been asking her, "How did you create such beautiful transcripts?" Not only were they beautiful, they were effective. Lee's sons earned full tuition scholarships worth $184,000, and she has put together <a href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/links/index.php?id=easytruth" title="The Easy Truth About Homeschool Transcripts">The Easy Truth About Homeschool Transcripts</a> to teach you how she did it! <div align="left"> <table bgcolor="#b4e376" border="1" bordercolor="#111111" cellpadding="10" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td width="100%">"Your transcripts and records were the best organized and documented I have seen" ~ Bryan Jones, Associate Director of Admissions, Seattle Pacific University</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </div>  </td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="2">"The Easy Truth about Homeschool Transcripts is so easy, I'm actually excited to sit down and create my son's transcripts! If you're thinking about homeschooling through high school, this book will remove all your fears around credits, course descriptions, and grades, and will help you translate your student's homeschool work into the language of college admissions officers! An awesome tool for all homeschooling parents!" ~ Jill Bell in Washington Lee offers a 100% No Questions Asked Money Back Guarantee, so you can get your copy risk-free: <a href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/links/index.php?id=easytruth">http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/links/index.php?id=easytruth</a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="#contents">Back to the Table of Contents</a> <a name="sites"></a>4. Educational Resources <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="https://www.renewbot.com/">RenewBot </a> The idea for RenewBot came when a computer programmer was on his way to the library to pay a $10 library fine. "Hey, I could have a computer log in to the library for me once a day and renew my items for me if I forget!" From that moment of inspiration, RenewBot grew to include a flexible alerts system, a consolidated view of holds and items out for people managing multiple library cards, estimation of hold pickup dates, and more. The privacy policy is very reasonable (they require your library barcode and pin but only use it to renew books and never share individually identifiable information). The first two months are free, then the cost is $2.99/year per card which is a lot less that what I usually pay in library late fees! <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="https://www.renewbot.com/">https://www.renewbot.com/</a> <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://home-educate.com/unschooling/">Unschooling</a> This page with information about unschooling is a collection of thoughts and letters written by unschoolers and reprinted on home-educate.com. If you are curious about unschooling, this is a great place to gain some insight. The link to the FAQ page is broken but the article links are all very informative. <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://home-educate.com/unschooling/">http://home-educate.com/unschooling/</a> <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="https://www.kidsbowlfree.com">Kids Bowl Free </a> Bowling centers from around the country are giving away 2 free games of bowling each day as an opportunity for kids and families to enjoy bowling during the summer months. The program is only available at participating centers but I found a large selection of centers for my state. Each child can bowl 2 free games every day throughout the duration of the program. Each center has their own age restrictions, as well as any times the coupons are not valid during the day. The program includes an optional Family Pass which was created to allow for adult family members to enjoy bowling throughout the summer as well. The Family Pass starts from $23.95 and includes 2 GAMES PER PERSON PER DAY. The Family Pass covers up to 4 adult family members. You may have 1, 2, 3, or 4 adults on the family pass. Great way to have fun on a budget this summer! [ED. NOTE: This program is sponsored by BBBI, the Bowling Business Builders International, which is an industry association . The terms of use contain a reasonable privacy policy except for this statement: "BBBI does not currently sell, trade or rent your email addresses to others, although we may choose to do so in the future with trustworthy third parties who agree to abide by applicable terms similar to this privacy policy." I recommend having a separate email address to use for offers like this so that your main email does not get added to marketing lists. Remember to always read privacy policies when registering for anything online.] <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="https://www.kidsbowlfree.com">https://www.kidsbowlfree.com</a> <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://principleddiscovery.com/2009/06/09/field-guide-homeschoolers/">Field Guide to Homeschoolers </a> This humorous, insightful blog post from Principled Discovery is an original way of looking at homeschoolers. "This week, we will be consulting the Field Guide to Homeschoolers to attempt to describe this fascinating specimen of educational freedom and gain a greater understanding of its habits, habitat and daily life." A recommended read. <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://principleddiscovery.com/2009/06/09/field-guide-homeschoolers/">http://principleddiscovery.com/2009/06/09/field-guide-homeschoolers/</a> <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="#contents">Back to the Table of Contents</a> <a name="sponsormid"></a> 5. <a href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/links/index.php?id=homeschoolhighschool" title="Homeschooling High School">Homeschooling High School </a> (Our Sponsor) <table cellpadding="20"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="215"><a href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/links/index.php?id=homeschoolhighschool" title="Homeschooling and Loving It"><img src="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/images/ad/kq_hhs_215.jpg" border="0" height="215" width="215"></a> </td> <td width="532">Are the high school years approaching in your home? I encourage you to stop, take a deep breath, and consider the possibility that homeschooling your high schooler might be a tremendous boon for you, your student and your whole family. Homeschooling high school is an exciting and scary proposition. You want to turn out a successfully educated and prepared adult at the conclusion of four years of high school, but maybe you feel unprepared or lack confidence that you have the tools and resources necessary to get the job done. </td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="2">Testimonial: As I was creating a new folder, saving the documents and scrolling through for a quick look at the materials, my eyes welled up with tears. I have been so overwhelmed and burdened about [my son's] High School stuff and just needed someone to point the way. Someone who had already figured it out and all I need to do is follow. Thank you so much for investing your time and talents and making your Quest for Knowledge available to the rest of us. I'm actually excited about school again and I was toying with giving up and throwing them in public, which is the last thing I want to do. Bless YOU!! - Erin in AK The <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/links/index.php?id=homeschoolhighschool" title="How to homeschool high school">Upper Level Homeschool course</a> teaches you how to prepare your teen for college and adult life. The first 5 weeks include: <ol> <li> Mapping a 4 Year Course of Study</li> <li>Designing a Course for High School Credit</li> <li> Outsourcing Difficult Subjects</li> <li> Starting & Maintaining a Transcript</li> <li> Establishing Good Study Habits </li> </ol> Most weeks the lessons will also include hyperlinks, worksheets and even curriculum samples for you to use. Order now: <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/links/index.php?id=homeschoolhighschool">http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/links/index.php?id=homeschoolhighschool</a> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="#contents">Back to the Table of Contents</a> <a name="seen_online"></a>6. Recently Seen Online <a href=http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/CollegeAndFamily/CutCollegeCosts/is-a-college-degree-worthless.aspx?page=1>Is a college degree worthless?</a> Although the conclusion of this article (testing instead of diplomas) is questionable at best, the points raised about the value of a college degree are valid and deserve to be examined further. Perhaps 4 years spend exploring and developing entrepreneurship would better serve our young adults. <a href=http://www.ajc.com/opinion/content/opinion/stories/2009/06/22/elmoreed_0622_2DOT.html>Public schools stifle kids� free will</a> "If you put a frog into a pot of boiling water, the frog will jump out immediately. If you put a frog into a pot of cool water and slowly heat the water, the frog eventually dies because it is unaware of the temperature change. And so it goes with 'public education' and 'ADD' and the 'unteachable' students that AJC education columnist Maureen Downey has written about in recent columns on this page. The problem with children in public schools is not the children � it�s the public schools. It�s an artificial and coercive environment in which young children are put when they don�t know any better that they shouldn�t be there." <a href=http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090622/ap_on_re_us/us_rubber_rooms>700 NYC teachers are paid to do nothing</a> "Because their union contract makes it extremely difficult to fire them, the teachers have been banished by the school system to its "rubber rooms" � off-campus office space where they wait months, even years, for their disciplinary hearings. The 700 or so teachers can practice yoga, work on their novels, paint portraits of their colleagues � pretty much anything but school work. They have summer vacation just like their classroom colleagues and enjoy weekends and holidays through the school year... Because the teachers collect their full salaries of $70,000 or more, the city Department of Education estimates the practice costs the taxpayers $65 million a year. The department blames union rules." <a href=http://www.princeton.edu/admission/applyingforadmission/tips_for_home_schooled/>Princeton: Tips for Home Schooled Students</a> We recognize that your experience as a home schooled student will be somewhat different from students in traditional schools. We'll look at your academic record and non-academic interests and commitments within the context of your particular home school curriculum and experience. We understand that for many home schooled students there is not as clear a distinction between academic and non-academic activities as there might be for students in a traditional high school.... <a href=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09162/976544-56.stm>Families join to enrich home school</a> From the St. Petersburg Gazette: "Home schooling is not about staying at home." Finally, someone is starting to get it! <a href=http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/not-so-fast-home-schooling-trumps-full-day-kindergarten/article1187946/>Not so fast: Home schooling trumps full-day kindergarten</a> "Some time ago, our library held an information night for home-schooling parents. The room was jam-packed... None of them were hippies. None seemed overly religious or way out there. In fact, the only trait they shared was a conviction that they � as moms and dads � could better prepare their children for life. And you know what? They can... The Fraser Institute's study also raises two startling points: Children who are home schooled by a parent trained in teaching achieve about the same academic results as children whose parents are not; parents who didn't even finish high school can still do a better job of teaching their children than public schools, scoring 'a full 55 percentile points higher in math and 49 points higher in writing than public school students from families with comparable education levels.'" See more on <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/teacherslounge/seen_online/index.php">TheHomeSchoolMom.com</a> <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="#contents">Back to the Table of Contents</a> <a name="article"></a>7. Article - 5 Must-Have, No-Cost Resources for Homeschooling by Terri Johnson This past year has not been an easy one for many Americans, that’s for sure. With businesses downsizing and laying off staff, many loyal employees find themselves out of work. With the bursting of the real estate bubble, many hard-working homeowners find themselves in a house they can no longer afford to keep and yet can neither afford to sell. We live in hard times, but often it is these very hard times that generate the most creative thinking. As they say… Necessity is the mother of invention. I believe that was first spoken by Plato. Or you could say... “Invention is the mother of necessity.” Thorstein Veblen, the author of that quote, was a U.S. economist and social philosopher who lived during the latter portion of the 19th century until the Great Depression. He lived i n times not unlike our own. Swift change can cause turmoil. So, if invention and creativity is spurred on by necessity or difficulty (and vice versa), then now is a great time to look for and use no-cost resources that will serve us well during this economic downturn. There are many of you who cannot afford homeschooling curriculum this year. Does that mean that you should put your children into public school? No, what it means is that it is time to get creative, even inventive, when it comes to our children’s education. And this is your place to start. I am going to share with you my top 5 “must-have” homeschooling resources that won’t cost you a dime. Bookmark each of these sites and refer to them often as you prepare and teach your children during this upcoming school year. Top 5 Must-Have No-Cost Homeschooling Resources (These are not listed in any particular order because they are all good! Bookmark or sign up for them all!) <ol start="1" type="1"> <li> Jim Erskine’s <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://www.homeschoolfreebie.wholesomechildhood.com/">Freebie of the Day</a> - If you are not aware of this site, then I am excited to share it with you. Jim works with homeschool publishers to provide you with 1 freebie each day. The link to the freebie is only active for 24 hours, so you have to act fast, but these are quality offerings and not just filler junk. Trust me, I have participated in this program and we have given away a full U.S. geography curriculum on one occasion and another full ebook on another occasion. Other publishers are doing the same thing. So sign up using the “Join List” tab at the top of the page. </li> <li> <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://www.thehomeschoolmagazine.com/E_News/index.php#teacherstoolbox">The Old Schoolhouse’s Teacher Toolbox</a> - Most of you are probably aware of their Freebie Friday newsletter (if you are not, then sign up for that one as well). But the Teacher Toolbox newsletter is a lesser known treasure. The Teacher's Toolbox is a great way to inject something extra into your teaching plans especially when you are homeschooling on a shoestring. </li> <li><a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/schoolroom/unitstudies.php"> The Homeschool Mom Unit Studies </a> - Actually, the entire Homeschool Mom site is a gem and you should spend some time there getting familiarized with it and find out what it has to offer. But I specifically highlighted the unit study page because unit studies are a great way to homeschool your children especially if you are working with limited funds. You can teach them all the same topic but at varying levels. You can often utilize library books and online information resources – all for free. </li> <li><a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://donnayoung.org/index.htm"> Donna Young Printables and Resources </a> - Yes, this site is a treasure trove of lessons, planners and forms. There is a form for everything you could ever need. I especially like her diplomas! If you are looking for a specific form, a planner or a lesson for a certain subject, make sure that you check here! Donna Young has so many useful forms and resources that you will think you have hit the jackpot. </li> <li> <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://www.terrisaffiliates.com/go.php?offer=thsmm4m&pid=3"> Homeschooling ABCs Free 5 Day MiniClass </a> – Sometimes when you are throwing it all together yourself and not using pre-made curriculum, you can start to wonder if you are on the right track. Worry no longer… sign up for the free 5 day mini-class at the site above and receive information on: <ul> <li> What to Teach and When</li> <li> 4 Steps to Homeschooling Success</li> <li> Homeschooling on a Dime</li> <li> Getting the Help You Need</li> <li> Planning and Scheduling </li> </ul> </li> </ol> There you go – 5 “Must-Have” No-Cost Resources for Homeschooling. Take advantage of them. Let them be the fuel that starts your creative engine and keeps it going strong. My hope and prayer for you is that you have NOT been hit hard by this financial mess our country has found itself in. But if you have been, then look for the silver lining amongst the gray clouds. As Patti Handy says, “Don’t let a good financial crisis go to waste.” (<a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://www.1shoppingcart.com/app/?af=1006396">www.teenscashcoach.com</a>) Warmly, Terri Johnson Bramley BooksTM, a division of Knowledge Quest, Inc. <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="#contents">Back to the Table of Contents</a> © 2009 TheHomeSchoolMom.Com Permission is granted to forward this newsletter in its entirety for non-commercial purposes. All other uses require permission from the Publisher. </div> </div> </td> </tr> </table> </div>  <div id="siteInfo" style="clear: both; border: 1px solid #cccc99; font-size: 90%; color: #333333; padding: 10px; text-align: left; margin-top: 20px"> <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/aboutus.php">About Us</a> | <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/sitemap.php">Site Map</a> | <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/advertise.php">Advertise</a> | <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/privacy.php">Privacy Policy</a> | <a style="color: #990033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold" href="http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/contact.php">Contact Us</a> | ©2000-2009 TheHomeSchoolMom.com</div>

THSM :: Bonus eBooks

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 16:50:00 GMT

THSM :: Charlotte Mason, Chemistry, Butterflies, and more

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 14:17:00 GMT