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
 

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.

My Favorite Frugal Homeschool Find For This Week

If I have not said it before, I will say it now, I love Pinterest.  I find so many cool and wonderful things on there, and not just for school.  My kids love to read, but finding young adult books for my son, that are free, and online, is not always easy.  Then, I found Free Children's Books.  They have kids, and young adult books.  You can either download them in pdf form, or read online.  I have a feeling I will be using this website a lot.  There is nothing fancy, or distracting about the website, either.  I like simple.  Check it out if you want to, and I will try to do one of these each Friday.  I love to share all the wonderful things I find.

Cold, Cold and more Cold!

Ugh, I hate the cold!  We are still on Winter Break, and I get so much done during this time.  After all the holidays, and activities are over, I can clean the house, declutter and organize stuff.  I got all of the school papers corrected and ready for review with the kids.  DJ has almost completed, A Separate Peace.  He does not care for it all that much, but I am finding it quite interesting.  I actually think I read it in high school, but that was a very long time ago.  After he finishes it, he will have some review work, and then watch the movie which might help bring it all together for him.

Next week, we are doing half days of school all week.  We were supposed to be off, but I have decided on half days instead.  Caitlin will be reviewing her papers that were graded today, and writing her next friendly letter, to her friend Samantha.  DJ will finish reading, A Separate Peace, and he needs to start working on his 4H Demonstration.  He will be doing a practice run at our next Earth Kids meeting on the 17th.  County Events is on Feb 1st,  We are taking his good friend to Bush Gardens with us, on Jan 20th, for his friend's Christmas gift.  Caitlin and I will do the Safari while the boys are riding the rollercoasters.


We have one warmish day tomorrow and Sunday, then bitter cold again next week.  We are supposed to hike on Tues, but I hate exercising in the cold.  My old muscles just don't like it and I hate pain.  So, we will have to wait and see how the other moms feel about it.

Halloween Books for Kids

We finished off another awesome week of homeschooling. The kids are racking up miles for the 5 Points of Life Relay for Kids, and should have the paper filled up soon. I work this weekend, and next week is another busy week with Archery, 4H, Earth Kids, Church and of course Run Club. Anyone who says homeschooled children are not socialized apparently do not know what they are talking about. We are plenty socialized, good socialization not nonsense socialization. Below are some Halloween theme books your kiddos might enjoy reading. The first one appears to be free, so enjoy it while it is. Be sure to check the price before you complete check out. I have been nailed a couple of times with posts that offer free books, but not all are free and I did not pay attention. Some are worth paying for too, though. We love The Berenstein Bears, well at least my youngest does. My son prefers the scary stories. Remember that at the bottom of this blog is my Amazon Homeschool Store.  Look there for all your textbook, workbook and craft needs.  I will be scouring around for Halloween apps this weekend to share.

Teach Your Homeschool Child To Read

 One of the scariest things, for me, when I started to homeschool my youngest was I had to teach her to read.  I had no confidence that I would be able to do this.  Actually, it has gone very well and she loves to read now in the 4th grade.  We used Hooked on Phonics, in Kindergarten, and I loved it.  I also used the sight word/picture identification method.  I like this method more than just sounding the word out phonetically.  Seeing what the word looks like, and hearing what it sounds like, is so much more effective than just Phonics.  A friend of mine is just now teaching her daughter to read.  I found this very nice, Four Reading Methods, article and thought it was very much on point with good techniques and tips.  I also have to say, my kids learned very well in the younger years by playing games.  Both of them played online games a lot and it proved very effective.  Below are some free reading online games.  If you have a new learning reader Starfall is amazing.

 http://pbskids.org/games/reading/
http://www.primarygames.com/reading.php

Teaching the Alphabet

My kids already know the alphabet, but today at homeschoolfreebieoftheday, they have a very cool set of activities for teaching the alphabet.  35 as a matter of fact.  This particular freebie is available only for today, so be sure to get it if you want it. 

We had a much more peaceful day yesterday, than the previous.  Kids are progressing nicely with their lessons, and we are even a bit ahead.  I like to be ahead so when we get to the holidays, and all kinds of activities are going on, we won't fall behind. 

Caitlin finished Charlotte's Web, and if anyone wants their child to read it, but don't want to buy it and library not available, there is an app in the Google app store for the book.  You can read it right on your phone, or tablet.  That is what we did.  She has now moved onto a Magic Tree House Book, Sunset of the Sabertooth.  DJ loved these books, and I am glad I saved them.  Their website is awesome, with a great game the kids can play.  I found two different activities to help her remember key events in the story.  You can click here and here, to use them.  I hope I can find these for all the books.  The Scholastic website also has activities for the books, but just wasn't what I was looking for at this time. 

DJ continues with The Outsiders, and is really enjoying it.  This is a ninth grade level reader, so he is a grade ahead with reading.  He is working his way through the lessons that go with it.  He is a very strong reader, and writer, but frequently ignores the rules of grammar. 

Most of the resources, I both use and share, are usually free.  I do throw in some stuff that is paid for, that I would purchase myself, or will purchase in the future.  I try to remember to post something for all grade levels, not just the grades my kids are in.  At the bottom of this blog is my Amazon Homeschool store.  I do earn a very small percent of each item sold.  Very small, lol!  I have never even made payout yet. 

Today, we have Run Club, finally stopped raining, and tomorrow Earth Kids.  They will be doing activities for the Leafy Seadragon.  One of my favorite animals, or is it a fish?

Homeschool Freebies

I was so upset about the events that happened earlier, that I forgot I wanted to start sharing some cool free stuff. I have so many websites I have saved, and used over the years, plus others I find all the time. It might be nice to start sharing some of them each day. I do share the ones we are currently using, but very often forgot about ones used in the past, or ones I have saved for the future. One of my favorite websites is Homeschool Freebie of the Day. Now I don't always take what they are offering, for various reasons, but other times I find something really cool. Today they are offering an audio mp3 clip from the Mayflower. There were radio reporters at the dock, when the Mayflower was getting ready to head to the New World. Listen to the accounts, and drama, of whether they would really get to sail that day or not. I can not wait to have my kids listen to this. Just click the link, highlighted to go there. I hope you still have time to get it.

For anyone trying to teach your child to read, you know how frustrating it can be.  I had to try different things with my daughter before she got it.  Check out the interactive book below, it is free today, so check to be sure it is still free when you purchase.  Or if you really want it you could just buy it.  We are very frugal and always looking for affordable or free, good learning material.  For two kids, I don't spend more than 100 dollars and that is a stretch.  My son will be in High School next year, so that may change.

If you want to browse my Amazon Homeschool store, it is at the bottom of this blog. Click on the Arts and Crafts link to get all items to load. It was weird setting it up, and is not exactly how I want it. Will work on that.

Pig Slop!

As I mentioned in a previous post, Caitlin is reading, Charlotte's Web right now. One of my all time favorite books ever. One of the activities, you could choose to do, was make Pig Slop. You know Wilbur was a pig, and pigs will eat anything. You just throw it all in their trough and they eat it. Slop, that is what it is called. There were several variations as to how you could make your own Pig Slop. But, since I wanted Caitlin to actually eat it we decided on vanilla pudding, Reeses Pieces, Reeses Peanut Butter cups, and chocolate fudge cookies. I have to tell you to be smarter than me, and dump the pudding onto a plate. Getting all that crumbled stuff in that little cup was not easy. It was delicious though. I love Pig Slop! Get reading Charlotte's Web with your kids, and make some Pig Slop too.

Phonics Island App

If your kids love to learn by playing games, or you just want them to play educational games rather than nonsense games, then Island Phonics could be for you. I love the apps, because the kids can play and learn while on the go. In the grocery store, doctor's office or in the car. I was hesitant to get a smart phone, but now that I have one I love it!

Happy Easter To All My Readers

I hope everyone has a blessed, and wonderful Easter holiday. Tomorrow we start back to lessons, and review of Science, History to begin within the next couple weeks. We have already been reviewing spelling, and vocabulary. If anyone noticed I forgot to tell you about the log experiment, it will be posted tomorrow. It is simple, and your kids will think it is cool. Because we are beginning to complete our lessons for the year, DJ is picking up reading every day, rather than twice a week. Caitlin is on her very last book, in her set, and will begin re reading from the start of the year.

Lesson Plans For 04/05/10:

DJ:
Cursive Writing
Sign Language: Occupations 1-17
Reading: Chapters 8-11 of Black Beauty with summary
Writing: Fishy Monday the Maroon Clown Fish
Math: Fractions, decimals, and money
Vocabulary
Language Arts: Following directions, homophones, root words
Art: Spring Bunny craft

Caitlin:
Reading: Where is Zot
Art: Spring Bunny craft
Sign Language: Occupations
Printing Practice
Math: Number count and match
Telling time, and counting objects worksheet
Nursery Rhymes
Phonics: See, say, read, and write
Site Words
Flash Cards

Comments and Graphics - Layouts - Photobucket

All Dressed Up For Dinner

These are my beauties DJ, and Caitlin all dressed up, and ready to go to dinner, with Mom, and Dad. We went to the Macaroni Grill, for our anniversary, and I have to say I recommend it to anyone who loves pasta. It was very good, and their prices were definitely fair. It was dressy, but not too dressy. I thought for sure my husband would have steak, but he stuck with his Lent commitment, and had chicken. All in all, it was a splendid day. I hope everyone is having a super Sunday.



Lesson plans for 3/16/09:

Reading: Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone
Math: Multiplication, division
Music: I can play piano
Arts and crafts: St Patrick's Day Rainbow, coloring page

Our Local Library: 3 Rivers Florida Library

We use our local library, often for lots of different things. My daughter, hopefully, will be attending their free preschool class once a week starting in the fall. They have a nice variety of books, friendly service, and if they dont have what you want they will get it for you from one of their other network libraries. It is a small library, but they do offer a quiet place to study, do research on one of the computers, or just read and browse their selection of books. My kids love going to the library, every other week, and choosing all new books to read and learn. DJ, will always pick me a book, and I am always curious as to what he gets. He usually picks me a cooking book, gardening book, or a gemstone book. Sweet Huh. Your local library, can be your best friend. I cant stress how important they are, in our community.

http://www.3rivers.lib.fl.us/

Reading A-Z the online reading source

This is another great site I found, and added to my list of favorites, for future use. You get 30 free samples of weekly readers, with worksheets. You can also purchase their yearly membership for 50-80 dollars. If you are having trouble teaching phonics, to your homeschooler, this site may be just what you need. Check it out at http://www.readinga-z.com/phonics/reading-phonics.php Be sure to bookmark my site, and check back often, for more great sites. I will do the searching so you dont have to.

The first 30 days of Summer Vacation

It is hard to believe, that 30 days of summer vacation, has already passed. The first 30 days have been good, somewhat quiet. My son DJ, who will be starting 3rd grade in Sept, has read 3 Magic Tree House Books, and is working on his drawing skills. I have to say he is pretty good. He borrows books, on Dinosaurs, Fish, and Birds from the local Library then he draws them. He still plays on his favorite sites on the computer Funschool, and Funbrain. He also used the Leapster L-max for math and word learning games. My little one, who just turned 4, conitnues to mostly learn through play. She did just learn to write her name however, and she was so proud. She has a Barbie computer for learning activities, and also uses the Leapster L-max, she is learning to draw as well. Yesterday we made tissue paper flags, you can find the instructions in my archives. They were a little time consuming, but came out nice. We swim everyday, or almost every day, library every two weeks, and making plans for some of DJ's baseball friends to come visit. I dont force my kids to continue school work over summer vacation, however I am glad they like it enough to do it on their own. As for me, I am tweeking my 3rd grade curriculum, for DJ, and starting Caitlins preschool curriculum. I work every weeekend, on the night shift, working on my blogs, and learning to make extra cash online, and of course my jewelry making. We also have cleaned out closets, and donated a bunch of stuff to Another Way. A non profit group that helps battered women and children start a new life. So how has your summer vacation been so far?