With Halloween on the way, I will be sharing lots of fun things for kids to do in an educational way. I think cooking is a great way to learn. I will be having Caitlin make this as we get closer to Halloween, on a Sunday when we do fun foods for Football Sunday. I think she will have a lot of fun making this and it is super easy. Sliced cucumbers, bell peppers, and squash will be used to enjoy the dip. This video is for homemade dough. You can buy store-bought dough and it should still work just as good. Making your own will help with Math skills, and you will know exactly what is in it.
Google Search
Custom Search
Showing posts with label math. Show all posts
Showing posts with label math. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 15, 2019
Monday, July 8, 2019
9th Grade Homeschool Portfolio for Caitlin
This post will be viewed by our evaluator. I will be working on this, and updating it for the next month. I keep some physical samples to take with us, and she also follows what we are up to on my Facebook page. You may see affiliate links in this post.
Because it is the easiest, I will start with Math
Caitlin first did the Pre Algebra, on Edx.com, which is free by the way. She whizzed through it, and did quite well. However, when I moved her into Saxon Algebra 1 textbook, she just didn't seem to retain any of the info she had learned. So, I went to Aleks.com, and that is where we will be for the remainder of her 3 years of High School. It is not free, 20 dollars per month. However, it is worth every penny. I don't have to do anything. They send me weekly reports, and she is regularly tested on new, and old information. So, she actually retains it. I am all in with Aleks.
Today, I am adding the Science section of this portfolio. When we started grade 9, we started with Apologia Physical Science. I got it on the Kindle, with Kindle Unlimited for free, so I could not resist. Unfortunately, Caitlin did not care for it all that much, and we did half a year, for 1/2 credit. I then rediscovered Easy Peasy High School, and she offers a great Oceanography with Lab. The lab part is important because it is required in Florida. We did half of it, marked where we left off, and will finish the second half for grade 10, and the labs. She only needs 3 Science credits, so there is plenty of time, and no need to rush. You can purchase the Apologia textbook, on Kindle, below, it isn't free though, and the link for Oceanography is highlighted. Science is definitely not this child's favorite topic, though she really is talking a lot about the Environment. So, I might be able to squeeze that in, but she has to do Biology first.
Now it is time to add Language Arts. I am so glad I keep a written log book, as well as this blog, because I had forgotten about some of the things we covered. This is actually a requirement in Florida, so it isn't like I thought of it myself. We started the year off using Virtual Homeschool Group website. I actually very much like this website. You can do live lessons, they fill up fast, so get in quick if you like that. They start enrolling August 1st. We opted for the at your own pace options. We did 3 books, with the lessons on this website: Chronicles of Narnia, The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe. We then watched a very old series based on the book. It was quite interesting. The Time Machine, which I did not finish reading. My son was tasked to read this book with Caitlin. She can read quite fine, but likes to be read to, so they would alternate, and of course discuss as they went. Animal Farm was the third book, and there was some quite animated discussions with this book. That took us half way through the school year. The second half of the year we concentrated on Grammar, using dailygrammar.com There were some writing topics thrown in for good measure, but still an area that needs much work.
She did a beginner French course, that she will receive a 1/2 credit for. She did not retain much, and didn't show as much interest as she thought she would. So, for grade 10 she has opted to switch to Sign Language, on Virtual Homeschool Group. She will need to do 2 years, and she is aware of that. Of note, I think I will do 4 classes at a time instead of 5, and make up over Summers if we need to. It is just too long of a day with 5 classes, to do a great job, imo.
History: We covered American History from the beginning, to World War 2. I used no official curriculum. Rather I found a timeline online, and found videos, books, unit studies, and various other resources to make it a little more interesting than just textbooks. We watched the Hatfields and McCoys on Netflix, which produced a lot of conversation, from both of my children, even the one that is in college. For Grade 10 we will be covering the elections in a Civics and Government Class. If you prefer a more traditional type of History, see a few examples below.
Caitlin chose to not do Drama this past year, because she did not like the play choice. She continued with her 4H group, but sadly that group had it's last year, this year. She does not feel she will join another group. In April we started Horseback riding, at Cavalli Farms in Jonesville. At the end of July, she requested to stop until October, because it is just too hot. So, she will pick it back up in October, unless she decides to do drama. Then we will have to discuss if she thinks she can handle both.
For my part I have encouraged much more focus on Writing, Socialization, Attitude, Communication Skills, Home Skills, and Following Directions. These are the same skills we will work on in the next school year. In January 2020 I will sign her up to take the online Driver's Ed course, for FLVS, so after she turns 16 she can get her drivers permit. By grade 11, I fully expect she will be able to take at least one FLVS writing class.
Because it is the easiest, I will start with Math
Caitlin first did the Pre Algebra, on Edx.com, which is free by the way. She whizzed through it, and did quite well. However, when I moved her into Saxon Algebra 1 textbook, she just didn't seem to retain any of the info she had learned. So, I went to Aleks.com, and that is where we will be for the remainder of her 3 years of High School. It is not free, 20 dollars per month. However, it is worth every penny. I don't have to do anything. They send me weekly reports, and she is regularly tested on new, and old information. So, she actually retains it. I am all in with Aleks.
Today, I am adding the Science section of this portfolio. When we started grade 9, we started with Apologia Physical Science. I got it on the Kindle, with Kindle Unlimited for free, so I could not resist. Unfortunately, Caitlin did not care for it all that much, and we did half a year, for 1/2 credit. I then rediscovered Easy Peasy High School, and she offers a great Oceanography with Lab. The lab part is important because it is required in Florida. We did half of it, marked where we left off, and will finish the second half for grade 10, and the labs. She only needs 3 Science credits, so there is plenty of time, and no need to rush. You can purchase the Apologia textbook, on Kindle, below, it isn't free though, and the link for Oceanography is highlighted. Science is definitely not this child's favorite topic, though she really is talking a lot about the Environment. So, I might be able to squeeze that in, but she has to do Biology first.
Now it is time to add Language Arts. I am so glad I keep a written log book, as well as this blog, because I had forgotten about some of the things we covered. This is actually a requirement in Florida, so it isn't like I thought of it myself. We started the year off using Virtual Homeschool Group website. I actually very much like this website. You can do live lessons, they fill up fast, so get in quick if you like that. They start enrolling August 1st. We opted for the at your own pace options. We did 3 books, with the lessons on this website: Chronicles of Narnia, The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe. We then watched a very old series based on the book. It was quite interesting. The Time Machine, which I did not finish reading. My son was tasked to read this book with Caitlin. She can read quite fine, but likes to be read to, so they would alternate, and of course discuss as they went. Animal Farm was the third book, and there was some quite animated discussions with this book. That took us half way through the school year. The second half of the year we concentrated on Grammar, using dailygrammar.com There were some writing topics thrown in for good measure, but still an area that needs much work.
She did a beginner French course, that she will receive a 1/2 credit for. She did not retain much, and didn't show as much interest as she thought she would. So, for grade 10 she has opted to switch to Sign Language, on Virtual Homeschool Group. She will need to do 2 years, and she is aware of that. Of note, I think I will do 4 classes at a time instead of 5, and make up over Summers if we need to. It is just too long of a day with 5 classes, to do a great job, imo.
History: We covered American History from the beginning, to World War 2. I used no official curriculum. Rather I found a timeline online, and found videos, books, unit studies, and various other resources to make it a little more interesting than just textbooks. We watched the Hatfields and McCoys on Netflix, which produced a lot of conversation, from both of my children, even the one that is in college. For Grade 10 we will be covering the elections in a Civics and Government Class. If you prefer a more traditional type of History, see a few examples below.
Caitlin chose to not do Drama this past year, because she did not like the play choice. She continued with her 4H group, but sadly that group had it's last year, this year. She does not feel she will join another group. In April we started Horseback riding, at Cavalli Farms in Jonesville. At the end of July, she requested to stop until October, because it is just too hot. So, she will pick it back up in October, unless she decides to do drama. Then we will have to discuss if she thinks she can handle both.
For my part I have encouraged much more focus on Writing, Socialization, Attitude, Communication Skills, Home Skills, and Following Directions. These are the same skills we will work on in the next school year. In January 2020 I will sign her up to take the online Driver's Ed course, for FLVS, so after she turns 16 she can get her drivers permit. By grade 11, I fully expect she will be able to take at least one FLVS writing class.
Tuesday, June 7, 2016
Finishing Up the 2015/2016 Homeschool Year Plus Some Great Summer Deals
This is our last full week of lessons. We will be doing Math over the Summer, plus my son has to finish Biology. We will be doing two to three days a week, of about 2 hours of work. Caitlin will be doing Writing along with her Math. She is currently writing a book on Wattpad, but does not want that included in her school work, so that will be free time work. DJ is also at a stand still on his second book, so that is also on hold until he figures it out. Wattpad has helped encourage Caitlin and her creative writing. Assigned writing assignments are still a hassle, but she is getting a hold of it. So, over the next few days, I need to come up with final exams for each child, and each subject. Biology, no final needed, he holds an average of 100, and Caitlin is finishing up her Science testing, and should be done soon. I, believe it or not, have next year's curriculums almost completely chosen. I will be sharing those in the coming weeks. I also have to start working on our portfolios, for our yearly evaluations in August. There are two websites I want to share with you, to use over the Summer months.
Nanowrimo is doing a Summer writing contest. DJ did their Fall contest, and loved it. However he is not interested in doing it over the Summer, much to my sadness. It is completely free, and an awesome way to get your kids writing. He will be doing it again in the Fall. Click this link to check it out.
Second, I got an email, yesterday from Homeschool Buyers Co-op with their list of free for Summer class offerings. There are several awesome options here. I took advantage of Mathhelp.com and Emusic. If DJ likes the Math format, and setup, then I will buy their Geometry course for next year. Otherwise I will stick with Saxon Geometry, which I have not yet purchased. Be sure to read all the directions when you sign up for any of the classes. They are not complicated, but there are steps that must be followed. You do have to be a member of the website, which is also free to get the deals. Click this link, to visit and check out all the offerings.
That is it for now. Be back in a few days with more awesome stuff that I find.
Nanowrimo is doing a Summer writing contest. DJ did their Fall contest, and loved it. However he is not interested in doing it over the Summer, much to my sadness. It is completely free, and an awesome way to get your kids writing. He will be doing it again in the Fall. Click this link to check it out.
Second, I got an email, yesterday from Homeschool Buyers Co-op with their list of free for Summer class offerings. There are several awesome options here. I took advantage of Mathhelp.com and Emusic. If DJ likes the Math format, and setup, then I will buy their Geometry course for next year. Otherwise I will stick with Saxon Geometry, which I have not yet purchased. Be sure to read all the directions when you sign up for any of the classes. They are not complicated, but there are steps that must be followed. You do have to be a member of the website, which is also free to get the deals. Click this link, to visit and check out all the offerings.
That is it for now. Be back in a few days with more awesome stuff that I find.
Tuesday, February 2, 2016
Rediscovering Hooda Math and PBS Math Educational Resources
My 15 yr old used Hooda Math for years. When he got in the higher grades, he stopped using it, and I forgot about it. I rediscovered it while looking for fun Math games for my now 11 year old. She loves it, and I find games to be an excellent way to learn. Not all day, and not all the time, but 15-30 minutes of educational games is a nice brain break, and different way to learn. One thing I have noticed, since I decided to use Common Core standards, in our homeschool, is that I think it is harder for one because they don't allow kids to memorize math facts such as multiplication, and division before moving them on to harder concepts using those facts. This slows kids down incredibly. I think they need to learn those math facts first, before being forced to learn something their poor little brains just can't comprehend. That is what I am doing anyway. One of the beautiful things about homeschooling, is I can go at my child's place, even if the end goal is still to achieve the harder standards. It isn't even that they are harder, just they want them to learn is harder. The method has changed, not what they learn in the end. Caitlin has improved immensely in the last 6 weeks, since I took her off the total Common Core method, and started letting her brain learn in a more sensible manner.
Along with OpenEd, I have started using PBS, and their media Math resources. I then reinforce the videos with worksheets, discussion, games, and hands on learning. Fridays, I evaluate how much she has retained with a test. I can not say how much I love Flash Cards, for learning the math facts I mentioned above. We use an app, and that makes it just that much more cool. Cool Math, is another website, I used to use, and will be looking at it again for my daughter.
I will be looking at the Writing on PBS as well, though I love the Michael Clay Thompson series we have been using, and am already looking at purchasing it again for next year.
Along with OpenEd, I have started using PBS, and their media Math resources. I then reinforce the videos with worksheets, discussion, games, and hands on learning. Fridays, I evaluate how much she has retained with a test. I can not say how much I love Flash Cards, for learning the math facts I mentioned above. We use an app, and that makes it just that much more cool. Cool Math, is another website, I used to use, and will be looking at it again for my daughter.
I will be looking at the Writing on PBS as well, though I love the Michael Clay Thompson series we have been using, and am already looking at purchasing it again for next year.
Saturday, January 2, 2016
Happy New Year!
We are still on Christmas Break. Our first day back to homeschooling, will be Jan 6th. I need to start blogging more, because it looks like all I am blogging about is time off, and changes I want to make, lol. I used to blog, on this blog, at least three times a week. What happened? Not sure, but I think as they get older, there just isn't as much stuff to share. They don't like their pictures taken anymore, unless they take it of themselves, or their friends do. Good grief!
I will be making some changes in my daughter's Math curriculum. I had mentioned previously we used Life of Fred last year, and she pretty much loved it. However, this year we didn't have time to squeeze it in, and I feel it is a good curriculum, but not where I want her to be, so I didn't use it. I also mentioned, since my mom's car accident, almost one year ago now, I thought it was best if I started incorporating Common Core into our curriculum, in case I ever had to return to work full time. For my daughter, Math and Writing, would be her biggest issues as far as Common Core goes. Her writing has improved immensely, and I am not so worried about that one, but her Math still needs much work. We have been using CK12, and though that is going fine for most of the Math lessons, some of their lessons just are not clicking with her. They don't seem to explain it well enough, or on a child's level of understanding. So, I will be moving off of CK12, only for her Math, the Biology for my son is excellent, and going to Homeschool Math, Teachnology, and OpenEd. With these three resources I am sure I can find what I need to get her where I want her to be. I still say that on all online format, for learning, is not the way to go. For some subjects it is fine, but not for all. Both of mine struggle with an all online Math curriculum. If none of these options prove successful, I will move to Math U See.
I will be making some changes in my daughter's Math curriculum. I had mentioned previously we used Life of Fred last year, and she pretty much loved it. However, this year we didn't have time to squeeze it in, and I feel it is a good curriculum, but not where I want her to be, so I didn't use it. I also mentioned, since my mom's car accident, almost one year ago now, I thought it was best if I started incorporating Common Core into our curriculum, in case I ever had to return to work full time. For my daughter, Math and Writing, would be her biggest issues as far as Common Core goes. Her writing has improved immensely, and I am not so worried about that one, but her Math still needs much work. We have been using CK12, and though that is going fine for most of the Math lessons, some of their lessons just are not clicking with her. They don't seem to explain it well enough, or on a child's level of understanding. So, I will be moving off of CK12, only for her Math, the Biology for my son is excellent, and going to Homeschool Math, Teachnology, and OpenEd. With these three resources I am sure I can find what I need to get her where I want her to be. I still say that on all online format, for learning, is not the way to go. For some subjects it is fine, but not for all. Both of mine struggle with an all online Math curriculum. If none of these options prove successful, I will move to Math U See.
Wednesday, September 16, 2015
Supplemental Work or Homework Help for 3rd Grade
This is a post by request, for a friend of mine. These should all be free, and either printable or online. They have limited internet due to where they live, so if that is your situation as well, you might like some of these. I will not share any apps, or purchased items for this post.
Reading:
http://www.k12reader.com/subject/reading-skills/reading-comprehension/3rd-grade-reading-comprehension-worksheets/
http://www.smarttutor.com/free-resources/free-reading-lessons/third-grade-reading/
http://worksheetsplus.com/ReadingQuizGrade3.html
http://www.jumpstart.com/parents/activities/grade-based-activities/3rd-grade-activities
Math:
http://www.softschools.com/grades/3rd_grade/math/
http://www.mathblaster.com/parents/math-games/3rd-grade-math-games
http://www.homeschoolmath.net/worksheets/grade_3.php
http://www.k5learning.com/free-math-worksheets/third-grade-3
Science/History:
http://www.knowledgeadventure.com/subject/science-games/
http://www.knowledgeadventure.com/subject/science-games/
Arts and Crafts/Hands On for Math/Reading:
http://www.happinessishomemade.net/2014/06/20/lego-learning-activities/#_a5y_p=1868496
http://www.teachingblogroundup.com/2014/01/its-1-4-14-its-time-for-snowmen-day-100.html
http://www.deepspacesparkle.com/2012/09/26/paul-klee-art-lesson/
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/124552745919638125/
http://www.mamamiss.com/2014/10/31/science-art-math-learning-candy/
http://ourjourneywestward.com/nature-journals-important/
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/201465783307378905/
http://www.teachingwithamountainview.com/2013/04/top-10-tips-for-building-fluent-readers.html
Reading:
http://www.k12reader.com/subject/reading-skills/reading-comprehension/3rd-grade-reading-comprehension-worksheets/
http://www.smarttutor.com/free-resources/free-reading-lessons/third-grade-reading/
http://worksheetsplus.com/ReadingQuizGrade3.html
http://www.jumpstart.com/parents/activities/grade-based-activities/3rd-grade-activities
Math:
http://www.softschools.com/grades/3rd_grade/math/
http://www.mathblaster.com/parents/math-games/3rd-grade-math-games
http://www.homeschoolmath.net/worksheets/grade_3.php
http://www.k5learning.com/free-math-worksheets/third-grade-3
Science/History:
http://www.knowledgeadventure.com/subject/science-games/
http://www.knowledgeadventure.com/subject/science-games/
Arts and Crafts/Hands On for Math/Reading:
http://www.happinessishomemade.net/2014/06/20/lego-learning-activities/#_a5y_p=1868496
http://www.teachingblogroundup.com/2014/01/its-1-4-14-its-time-for-snowmen-day-100.html
http://www.deepspacesparkle.com/2012/09/26/paul-klee-art-lesson/
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/124552745919638125/
http://www.mamamiss.com/2014/10/31/science-art-math-learning-candy/
http://ourjourneywestward.com/nature-journals-important/
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/201465783307378905/
http://www.teachingwithamountainview.com/2013/04/top-10-tips-for-building-fluent-readers.html
Sunday, May 17, 2015
A Few Changes to Language Arts Curriculum for 10th grade and 6th Grade
While at a birthday party, for a homeschool friend, yesterday the mom and I got discussing homeschool curriculum, of course. She buys from the Critical Thinking Company, for Language Arts, and has been very pleased with the results. Since Language Arts is on of the more boring class to teach, I am always looking for something more interesting. So, I went to their website last night, and decided to save a few of their products, to purchase when I am ready. Oh, by the way, I am considering getting the Algebra 1 book from The Critical Thinking Co, as well. I was checking it out, and it looks amazing, especially for the way they want the kids to learn the Math now.
http://www.criticalthinking.com/word-roots-level-1.html
http://www.criticalthinking.com/critical-thinking-book-one.html
For Writing, I have saved:
http://www.rainbowresource.com/product/sku/047638
Those are all for my High School child, though word roots I may use with my 6th grader as well. The earlier I start, the better.
For my 6th grader, my friend is letting us try a curriculum her girls did not care for, but that I think mine will love. It is from Micheal Clay Thompson, and we are starting right off with level one. If she likes it, I most definitely use it again. Language Arts is her biggest complaint, and hardest subject to teach her. I am hoping this will be a good fit for her.
http://www.rfwp.com/pages/michael-clay-thompson/
Tomorrow we are off to a fun day at the water park. I feel like we have not accomplished a ton the last week. We were at the springs twice, and now the water park. However, this time of year with lots of birthdays, and end of year fun stuff it is hard to say no. We aren't behind, I just like to drive myself crazy, lol.
http://www.criticalthinking.com/word-roots-level-1.html
http://www.criticalthinking.com/critical-thinking-book-one.html
For Writing, I have saved:
http://www.rainbowresource.com/product/sku/047638
Those are all for my High School child, though word roots I may use with my 6th grader as well. The earlier I start, the better.
For my 6th grader, my friend is letting us try a curriculum her girls did not care for, but that I think mine will love. It is from Micheal Clay Thompson, and we are starting right off with level one. If she likes it, I most definitely use it again. Language Arts is her biggest complaint, and hardest subject to teach her. I am hoping this will be a good fit for her.
http://www.rfwp.com/pages/michael-clay-thompson/
Tomorrow we are off to a fun day at the water park. I feel like we have not accomplished a ton the last week. We were at the springs twice, and now the water park. However, this time of year with lots of birthdays, and end of year fun stuff it is hard to say no. We aren't behind, I just like to drive myself crazy, lol.
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
Finally Decided For Fifth Grade Homeschool
Because my daughter learns differently than my son, I had a bit of a time deciding what to do for her for 5th grade. But, I finally decided. Here is what she will be doing.
Time4Learning: Language Arts and Science
Evan Moor: History books shown below. She really likes these and retains the info well.
Writing: Creative writing once a week, to be posted to her blog. Topic TBD by myself
Spelling: AAAspell.com This website worked wonders for her last year
Reading: Even though reading comprehension is done on T4L I will probably have her read other books as well.
Math: We will be focusing on Math a lot. I have decided to do Saxon 54, Life of Fred, and the Math card game we are currently playing. I will share that on Friday.
It seems like a lot of Math, but she needs a lot of Math right now. That is my main priority and focus. On Friday, I will also share the standards I want each of them to accomplish. I still have to finish them, and update or change things. I am not making a calendar this year. The last few years we did not stick to it anyways. We are doing Run Club every Wed, and that is all I am certain of right now. Time 4 Learning does Ancient Civilizations for 5th grade. Caitlin did this in the 4th grade. That is why I opted for the Evan Moor books. There are a couple of extra books shared, that I am still considering, but have not decided. Right now I am holding off on the 4H project books, until I know which book our group decides the group is going to be doing. I also like this Florida Unit Study, and she will most likely be doing that a well for History. We will also be doing an Art curriculum this year, on Tuesdays in the evening. She will be doing a basic cooking class in the evenings as well. Here is the link to the cooking lessons.
Time4Learning: Language Arts and Science
Evan Moor: History books shown below. She really likes these and retains the info well.
Writing: Creative writing once a week, to be posted to her blog. Topic TBD by myself
Spelling: AAAspell.com This website worked wonders for her last year
Reading: Even though reading comprehension is done on T4L I will probably have her read other books as well.
Math: We will be focusing on Math a lot. I have decided to do Saxon 54, Life of Fred, and the Math card game we are currently playing. I will share that on Friday.
It seems like a lot of Math, but she needs a lot of Math right now. That is my main priority and focus. On Friday, I will also share the standards I want each of them to accomplish. I still have to finish them, and update or change things. I am not making a calendar this year. The last few years we did not stick to it anyways. We are doing Run Club every Wed, and that is all I am certain of right now. Time 4 Learning does Ancient Civilizations for 5th grade. Caitlin did this in the 4th grade. That is why I opted for the Evan Moor books. There are a couple of extra books shared, that I am still considering, but have not decided. Right now I am holding off on the 4H project books, until I know which book our group decides the group is going to be doing. I also like this Florida Unit Study, and she will most likely be doing that a well for History. We will also be doing an Art curriculum this year, on Tuesdays in the evening. She will be doing a basic cooking class in the evenings as well. Here is the link to the cooking lessons.
Friday, June 20, 2014
Free or Frugal Friday Homeschool
We have family coming to visit from out of state, this next week. So, I am not sure I will be able to blog. I will try.
This week Caitlin read a book about the Oregon Trail, on We Give Books. They have a Summer reading program. We opted to not do the activity, but she did watch a video about the Oregon Trail. This is of course free, and books are donated to kids in need after your child reads.
Camp Wonderopalis, also free, is giving me the same issue as last year. We used it twice and now I can not log in. This is a total annoyance and I probably will not try again.
If you are someone that uses manipulatives when you teach Math, then you know they can be very expensive. You can use anything though, that you have a lot of. For example this week, Caitlin and I used some of the many beads that were given to her. They are plastic, and a nice size, so they work perfectly. You could use candy, cut up straws, toys like Pet shops or other figurines. Anything that are small, but not too small, that you have a lot of . Legos comes to mind too. We don't do Legos, I find them more of a pain than useful.
DJ continues with Introduction to Forensics, on Coursera, free of course. DJ, and I, also started watching his Math U See videos for Algebra 1 for next year. These are not free, lol, but they are very useful. The gentleman is easy to listen to, stays on track mostly, and explains things in a way you can understand.
Here are some free resources that I have been saving, and maybe you would like to use too. I am trying to clean up my favorites, so sharing them here makes more sense as a filing source.
Virtual Eye Dissection: http://www.eschoolonline.com/company/examples/eye/eyedissect.html
Writing Exercises: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/exercises/2/
Pond Life Microscope: http://www.microscopy-uk.org.uk/index.html?http://www.microscopy-uk.org.uk/pond/index.html
Come back for more free ideas next week.
This week Caitlin read a book about the Oregon Trail, on We Give Books. They have a Summer reading program. We opted to not do the activity, but she did watch a video about the Oregon Trail. This is of course free, and books are donated to kids in need after your child reads.
Camp Wonderopalis, also free, is giving me the same issue as last year. We used it twice and now I can not log in. This is a total annoyance and I probably will not try again.
If you are someone that uses manipulatives when you teach Math, then you know they can be very expensive. You can use anything though, that you have a lot of. For example this week, Caitlin and I used some of the many beads that were given to her. They are plastic, and a nice size, so they work perfectly. You could use candy, cut up straws, toys like Pet shops or other figurines. Anything that are small, but not too small, that you have a lot of . Legos comes to mind too. We don't do Legos, I find them more of a pain than useful.
DJ continues with Introduction to Forensics, on Coursera, free of course. DJ, and I, also started watching his Math U See videos for Algebra 1 for next year. These are not free, lol, but they are very useful. The gentleman is easy to listen to, stays on track mostly, and explains things in a way you can understand.
Here are some free resources that I have been saving, and maybe you would like to use too. I am trying to clean up my favorites, so sharing them here makes more sense as a filing source.
Virtual Eye Dissection: http://www.eschoolonline.com/company/examples/eye/eyedissect.html
Writing Exercises: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/exercises/2/
Pond Life Microscope: http://www.microscopy-uk.org.uk/index.html?http://www.microscopy-uk.org.uk/pond/index.html
Come back for more free ideas next week.
Friday, May 23, 2014
Free or Frugal Friday Homeschool Lessons
This week I am sharing some Language Arts websites that are free, or frugal to use. The first one, Coursera, is free, but not just Language Arts. These are college level courses, that anyone can take. My 8th grader just started his first week of lessons in the course Introduction to Forensics. He loves it so far. If it works out well, and is not too awful difficult he will do other courses. You can get a certificate at completion, for a fee of 40 dollars.
Help Teaching, offers both free and paid services, for all courses offered in a school. So far, I have only used this website for Grammar and Language Arts. It is a nice quality site.
Cengage offers free online grammar quizzes. I have not actually used this site yet, but will be being used in the very near future.
At one point, I had typed into my search browser, fun ways to learn Language Arts. I mean lets face it, it is pretty boring, unless you love Grammar rules, bleh. Well one of the websites that came up was, Many Things. org. I have not tried this website yet, but my 4th grader will begin using it here at the end of the year to review.
Help Teaching, offers both free and paid services, for all courses offered in a school. So far, I have only used this website for Grammar and Language Arts. It is a nice quality site.
Cengage offers free online grammar quizzes. I have not actually used this site yet, but will be being used in the very near future.
At one point, I had typed into my search browser, fun ways to learn Language Arts. I mean lets face it, it is pretty boring, unless you love Grammar rules, bleh. Well one of the websites that came up was, Many Things. org. I have not tried this website yet, but my 4th grader will begin using it here at the end of the year to review.
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
From Allergies to Migraines, but A Nice Quiet Homeschool Week
It seems like now I get a migraine right around the first of the month. So, know I am almost certain it is hormonal, and since I have no intentions of taking hormones, I will just have to deal with it. This month's was not as intense as the previous two months. Or, maybe because my allergies were making me feel so awful I just didn't notice, lol. I do feel better today, but still not great. We are supposed to do Run Club tomorrow, but I am not optimistic, since I am still wheezing just sitting still.
It has been a nice, quiet, homeschool week so far. I am very pleased with how much we got done. DJ has Biofuels tomorrow, so there won't be a whole lot of book work. I think I will have him fill my garden tires with dirt for me in the morning. Caitlin does have to do her Math paper tomorrow, and Easy Peasy day 105 or 106, can't remember, have it written down. The Abeka Math grade four, is proving challenging for her, but she is catching on nicely. I am actually very pleased. I plan on finishing the book through this year, and next. Abeka is a grade to a grade and a half ahead, so she won't be behind and I can better evaluate how I like it, and she likes it. I am still thinking of Life of Fred as well for her. She got a request for another letter, and she still has to do her I wonder assignment. DJ did his today.
It has been a nice, quiet, homeschool week so far. I am very pleased with how much we got done. DJ has Biofuels tomorrow, so there won't be a whole lot of book work. I think I will have him fill my garden tires with dirt for me in the morning. Caitlin does have to do her Math paper tomorrow, and Easy Peasy day 105 or 106, can't remember, have it written down. The Abeka Math grade four, is proving challenging for her, but she is catching on nicely. I am actually very pleased. I plan on finishing the book through this year, and next. Abeka is a grade to a grade and a half ahead, so she won't be behind and I can better evaluate how I like it, and she likes it. I am still thinking of Life of Fred as well for her. She got a request for another letter, and she still has to do her I wonder assignment. DJ did his today.
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
It Was A Good Math Day!
We had Run Club, but we mostly walk these days, this morning. So, I had to squeeze in an hour of lessons before and then regular schedule after lunch. It went OK. Caitlin did Easy Peasy days 102 and 103, minus the Math, because she is not quite ready for that yet. However, the Reading and Writing went very well today, on Easy Peasy. She says she doesn't like it, but I don't believe her. For Math she did her addition flashcards, which she did very easily today and I am glad for that. I want her to be faster, not just right. She did a page of 3 and four number addition problems, which went smoothly. She got a few wrong, but she is getting the hang of it. She did Psalm 23 copywork, and played a fraction game from Easy Peasy just earlier in the 4th grade school year.
I have pretty much decided, that for this Summer, I will be getting Life of Fred for Caitlin, and Rummy Roots for both kids. Both of these are fun ways to learn, and I have friends that use them, that say they have so much fun they don't even know they are learning. We always do Math, and some other lessons over the Summer, but this year I am getting specific. Our evaluations are set for July 16th. If anyone needs an evaluator, mine is awesome, and looking for more kids to evaluate. She is in Levy County, so if you are in the area, and need an evaluator, message me.
Tomorrow we are going to the new Train Museum in High Springs. It is not very long, but expect lots of pictures, and a trip report on DJ's blog.
DJ got all his assignments done, even with the shorter class times.
I have pretty much decided, that for this Summer, I will be getting Life of Fred for Caitlin, and Rummy Roots for both kids. Both of these are fun ways to learn, and I have friends that use them, that say they have so much fun they don't even know they are learning. We always do Math, and some other lessons over the Summer, but this year I am getting specific. Our evaluations are set for July 16th. If anyone needs an evaluator, mine is awesome, and looking for more kids to evaluate. She is in Levy County, so if you are in the area, and need an evaluator, message me.
Tomorrow we are going to the new Train Museum in High Springs. It is not very long, but expect lots of pictures, and a trip report on DJ's blog.
DJ got all his assignments done, even with the shorter class times.
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Learn Money With Dice Game
Do you have a child that is reluctant about Math, or counting money more specifically? I originally saw something similar to this on Pinterest. The other day we were at a consignment shop, and they had a bin full of these plastic craft squares already completed. Perfect, now I didn't have to worry about making the squares. I just simply hot glued different denominations of coins, and combos, to each side of the cube. Now, we can start playing and learning. The idea is obvious, the child rolls the dice and adds up the coins. You can make prizes for correct answers, or so many right and you get to stay up late or have extra dessert, whatever would be fun for your child. I can't wait to give these a try, with Caitlin.
I am looking at Life of Fred, for Caitlin next year. I think she will actually enjoy Math if it was more fun.
I am looking at Life of Fred, for Caitlin next year. I think she will actually enjoy Math if it was more fun.
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Homeschool Lessons and Games for Free or Low Cost
I have been a member on Pinterest for at least two years now, maybe three, and I have compiled quite a list of things on my Homeschool Board. Some of them I have used many times, others I have completely forgotten about. We are nearing the end of our third quarter in this school year. That means it is time for me to start planning for next year. Since typically I make my own curriculum, it takes me a long time. For DJ, who will be in High School next year, I have decided to buy some curriculums rather than trying to make my own credits for those subjects. I still have to decide for American History, Language Arts, and any elective he wishes to take. I really wanted to buy My Father's World, for Caitlin next year, but my oh my it is way too expensive. I have no idea if it is worth what they charge, but I am not in the position to pay that much money for fifth grade lessons. So, in the next weeks, and maybe months, I will be sharing websites from my Pinterest board, that actually work or are good for what they say they do. Caitlin loves the Evan Moor books, so I probably will buy the one shown below for her next year. The Astronomy web page is for us to try to follow along in the night sky with major events. My kids really enjoy this, and in April you should be able to see Jupiter. Hopefully by putting it here I will remember.
http://americanhistory.mrdonn.org/index.html
http://www.seasky.org/astronomy/astronomy-calendar-2014.html
http://www.gameclassroom.com/4th-grade
http://www.multiplication.com/games
http://www.teachercreated.com/free/interactive-whiteboard-activities/
http://www.thestorystarter.com/jr.htm
http://americanhistory.mrdonn.org/index.html
http://www.seasky.org/astronomy/astronomy-calendar-2014.html
http://www.gameclassroom.com/4th-grade
http://www.multiplication.com/games
http://www.teachercreated.com/free/interactive-whiteboard-activities/
http://www.thestorystarter.com/jr.htm
Thursday, March 6, 2014
9th Grade Science and Math Books Purchased
We went ahead and bought some of DJ's books for 9th grade, next year. We knew we wanted these sets, so these ones are taken care of. American History will probably be online, and I found where he can learn Japanese, and the Ocarina online as well. Those are both his choices, not mine, lol. I just need to figure out for Language Arts, and what books I want him to read. He already read a bunch of 9th grade literature this year, for 8th grade, so I am probably going to give him 9th grade credits this year for Language Arts. He read The Outsiders, A Separate Peace, and is currently reading Romeo and Juliet, and I think I will have him read To Kill A Mockingbird for his last book. We will watch Romeo and Juliet first and discuss it in great length. He also does book reviews for each book, on his own blog. So, he can do 10th grade Language Arts next year, and I would really like it to focus on writing and research. So, that is what I will be looking for. Over the Summer we will be doing some Math, Geography and he wants to do a video game making class.Oh and the dissection kit shown is not the one I bought. I can not find the link to the one I bought, but I assume any would be OK.
I am still undecided for Caitlin.
I am still undecided for Caitlin.
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
First Quarter Report Cards are Done!
Yesterday, I worked on report cards for the first quarter. A lot of DJ's grades are done online, and I just have to record them. Caitlin's, however, still need to be graded manually and recorded. After I get everything in line I can figure out averages. I did not scan them, because their full names are on the report and well you know you can't be too careful with their privacy. So, you will just have to read it below. Thank goodness I can type, and you don't have to try and make out my handwriting. They both did awesome, by the way, and the first ten weeks were a success. DJ was contacted to join a Bio Mass 4H group, which will be during school hours, so if he tries it and likes it, we will have to do some adjustments to be sure he gets enough hours for credits. Even though I don't have to do that until high school, we are adjusting and practicing this year in preparation for next year. At this time we have opted not to do a Health class this year. They did First Aid last year, and we are active, so this year we have opted not to focus on it much.
Caitlin 4th Grade 1st Quarter Report Card
Science: 99
History: 93
Language Arts: 78
Math: 83
Spelling/Vocab: 84
Even though Caitlin only has a C in Language Arts, this is a massive improvement for her. Creative Writing and the rules that come with it, are not natural to her like her brother, and she has struggled with it. Likewise her Spelling has been amazingly good, but she needs to work on her Vocabulary. Her overall grade is an 87 and I certainly can not complain about that.
DJ 8th Grade 1st Quarter Report Card
Science: 85
History: 89
Language Arts: 83
Math: 87
Spelling/Vocab: 93
DJ has awesome Creative Writing skills, as well as Reading, however the rules of Grammar continue to bore him and make it a challenge for him to pay attention to it. Science is his favorite subject, but he is studying Atmosphere and Weather, apparently not as exciting to him as it is to me. I am super pleased with his Math grade, and it has been a much more pleasant Math year so far. He is still doing the challenging Algebra type work, but in a much more relaxing way. His overall grade, believe it or not, is also an 87.
Caitlin 4th Grade 1st Quarter Report Card
Science: 99
History: 93
Language Arts: 78
Math: 83
Spelling/Vocab: 84
Even though Caitlin only has a C in Language Arts, this is a massive improvement for her. Creative Writing and the rules that come with it, are not natural to her like her brother, and she has struggled with it. Likewise her Spelling has been amazingly good, but she needs to work on her Vocabulary. Her overall grade is an 87 and I certainly can not complain about that.
DJ 8th Grade 1st Quarter Report Card
Science: 85
History: 89
Language Arts: 83
Math: 87
Spelling/Vocab: 93
DJ has awesome Creative Writing skills, as well as Reading, however the rules of Grammar continue to bore him and make it a challenge for him to pay attention to it. Science is his favorite subject, but he is studying Atmosphere and Weather, apparently not as exciting to him as it is to me. I am super pleased with his Math grade, and it has been a much more pleasant Math year so far. He is still doing the challenging Algebra type work, but in a much more relaxing way. His overall grade, believe it or not, is also an 87.
Thursday, October 24, 2013
The Beautiful Angler Fish!
Wow you would have to really have to believe beauty is in the eye of the beholder, for this scary fish. Tomorrow is our Earth Kids meeting, and Faith chose the Angler Fish. Below are links to the reading and worksheets we will be doing. Because I could not find ocean theme math for the older kids, I used TLSbooks. There is also a Geography page where they will be identifying what level of the ocean the Angler Fish would live in. Do you know? We also are doing an Angler Fish bird feeder using upcycled materials. I will share those, and how we did it, after they have been completed. Oh, and I almost forgot, for lunch, I am making Angler Fish theme sandwiches. I can not wait to see how these come out. For such a hideous fish, they truly are fascinatingly unique. It has been a good, and productive week, here at Melissa's Homeschool. I am off this weekend, so we will be having some family fun. Hopefully there will be pictures to share.
http://animalstime.com/angler-fish-facts-for-kids-angler-fish-diet-habitat/
http://www.oceanlife4kids.webs.com/anglerfish.htm
http://www.education.com/worksheet/article/angler-fish/
http://www.kid-friendly-homeschool-curriculum.com/ocean-worksheets.html#OceanZones
I am somewhat disappointed because I found some awesome sheets on Teacherspayteachers, that I could not print because I used pdf files not Microsoft Office. Since I have no intentions of getting Microsoft Office, I am really glad I did not pay for something I could not use.
http://animalstime.com/angler-fish-facts-for-kids-angler-fish-diet-habitat/
http://www.oceanlife4kids.webs.com/anglerfish.htm
http://www.education.com/worksheet/article/angler-fish/
http://www.kid-friendly-homeschool-curriculum.com/ocean-worksheets.html#OceanZones
I am somewhat disappointed because I found some awesome sheets on Teacherspayteachers, that I could not print because I used pdf files not Microsoft Office. Since I have no intentions of getting Microsoft Office, I am really glad I did not pay for something I could not use.
Friday, September 27, 2013
Robinson Crusoe Audio Book
If you have children that like to listen to audio books, then today's freebie is perfect. It is a Robinson Crusoe mp3 audio book. My kids hate listening to books, so this is not one we will use. I hope many others will find it very useful though. Just click the link to visit the website, to obtain your freebie.
Today is our Earth Kids meeting, and we continue studying Oceans and the creatures that live there. I will post all the links, and pictures of the projects we do, after the meeting is completed. I told the kids today, I am switching the meetings to only once a month, rather than twice. They are not super happy about that, but there are several good reasons to do it. As with all classes, done during school hours, there is a reading, math and geography lesson, centered around the Leafy Sea Dragon, oh and art too. I am making a pizza in the shape of a Leafy Sea Dragon. You will have to come back to see how it comes out. I have never done one like this before. I figure we are going to eat it anyways, so if I mess it up no big deal. I found a cake also, but that looked way complicated.
I love all the Scholastic products, and am considering trying the book below with my daughter next year, for fifth grade. I do have the Saxon book I can use, that my son used, but will have to see.
Lesson Snips, a website I have used a lot in my years of homeschooling, is both a paid and free website. You sign up, and then pick if you want free, or paid. I recommend the free. I had the paid, but was not happy with it for many reasons. You get a lot of stuff for free. Check it out, and they have all subjects, and all grades.
Today is our Earth Kids meeting, and we continue studying Oceans and the creatures that live there. I will post all the links, and pictures of the projects we do, after the meeting is completed. I told the kids today, I am switching the meetings to only once a month, rather than twice. They are not super happy about that, but there are several good reasons to do it. As with all classes, done during school hours, there is a reading, math and geography lesson, centered around the Leafy Sea Dragon, oh and art too. I am making a pizza in the shape of a Leafy Sea Dragon. You will have to come back to see how it comes out. I have never done one like this before. I figure we are going to eat it anyways, so if I mess it up no big deal. I found a cake also, but that looked way complicated.
I love all the Scholastic products, and am considering trying the book below with my daughter next year, for fifth grade. I do have the Saxon book I can use, that my son used, but will have to see.
Lesson Snips, a website I have used a lot in my years of homeschooling, is both a paid and free website. You sign up, and then pick if you want free, or paid. I recommend the free. I had the paid, but was not happy with it for many reasons. You get a lot of stuff for free. Check it out, and they have all subjects, and all grades.
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
My Top Education Apps Set 1
I have educational apps on both the smart phone, yes I finally got one, and my tablet which I got at an awesome price last year on Pre Black Friday sales. Anyway I love them for school, riding in the car, or just waiting somewhere like the doctor's office. I use both apps and internet games, especially over the summer to reinforce things they have learned. This is my first set of favorites, and trust me I have tried a lot. I am not sure why I can't find Duolingo in the app store, but trust me it is worth getting, and I believe it was free. Of this set, only two are .99 and the rest are free, but they are worth the 0.99. The fraction calculator and Droid Math we use all the time. We don't use the calculator to cheat, just as a tool, if we are stuck and then figure out from there what we did wrong. Most schools let kids use calculators now a days anyway. We love Brain Pop but did not like Brain Pop Jr. We use it every during regular school. It is quick and gives them a test you can record in your book.
Friday, July 12, 2013
2013/2014 Mathematics Curriculum
OK, so normally every year I document on this blog my curriculum specifics, for both kids, for the year. Last year I didn't do it. Guess I just didn't want to take the time. So, now that I need it to do our portfolios it is literally no where to be found. So, I had to find and print it again, and fill it all in for what we did and did not do. What a pain. So, this year I am doing it again here on the blog. I am doing it a bit different though. I am breaking it down by subject for each child. There will be supplemental websites at the bottom of each post. These are websites we already use, or I have tested and will be using. Since I adapt a curriculum from a typical course of study, it really does not cost me anything, except time. I use a baseline curriculum found at about.com/homeschool and adapt it to suit my needs. This curriculum is only what we will cover, not how it will be covered. DJ will be doing FLVS for Math, but not until January, and will be doing other Math exercises until then. Caitlin will be finishing Saxon 3, using EP and a variety of other Math websites and games.
Caitlin- 4th Grade Mathematics:
Reading and writing numbers
Numeration systems
Subsets
Decimals and fraction equivalents
Addition and subtraction facts to 7 places
Multiplication and division to 144
1 and 2 number multiplication problems
2 and 3 digit dividend and 1 digit divisor problems
Meaning of mixed numbers
Finding simple averages
Geometric concepts
Customary and metric measurements
Time to second
Problem solving methods
Charts and graphs
these are maybes
Prime numbers less than 100
Prime factoring
DJ- 8th Grade Mathematics:
Maintain skills and fundamental operations
Fractions and products
Sets and simple sentences
Numeration systems
Ratio proportions and percent
Inequalities and equalities
Simple formulas and equations
Graphing an equation
Powers and roots of rational numbers
Polynomials
Metric and non metric geometry
Probability and statistics
Statistical terms
Mathematical of insurance banking and taxes
these are maybes
Pythagorean Theorem
Scale drawing
Right triangle trigonometry
Permutations
Extra Math Resources:
http://www.purplemath.com this website is a personal favorite of mine for Math
http://easypeasyhomeschool.com
http://funbrain.com
http://www.coolmathgames.com
http://www.factmonster.com
http://wwwmathplayground.com
http://www.mathdrills.com this is another personal favorite
Caitlin- 4th Grade Mathematics:
Reading and writing numbers
Numeration systems
Subsets
Decimals and fraction equivalents
Addition and subtraction facts to 7 places
Multiplication and division to 144
1 and 2 number multiplication problems
2 and 3 digit dividend and 1 digit divisor problems
Meaning of mixed numbers
Finding simple averages
Geometric concepts
Customary and metric measurements
Time to second
Problem solving methods
Charts and graphs
these are maybes
Prime numbers less than 100
Prime factoring
DJ- 8th Grade Mathematics:
Maintain skills and fundamental operations
Fractions and products
Sets and simple sentences
Numeration systems
Ratio proportions and percent
Inequalities and equalities
Simple formulas and equations
Graphing an equation
Powers and roots of rational numbers
Polynomials
Metric and non metric geometry
Probability and statistics
Statistical terms
Mathematical of insurance banking and taxes
these are maybes
Pythagorean Theorem
Scale drawing
Right triangle trigonometry
Permutations
Extra Math Resources:
http://www.purplemath.com this website is a personal favorite of mine for Math
http://easypeasyhomeschool.com
http://funbrain.com
http://www.coolmathgames.com
http://www.factmonster.com
http://wwwmathplayground.com
http://www.mathdrills.com this is another personal favorite
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Currclick for Homeschoolers
Custom Ornamental Gates
Copy this code to your website to display this banner!