In a nine month school year it may seem like books are assigned at a fevered pitch. This is especially true in the upper grades. Novels from literature class, mixed with text readings in other subjects is quite a bit to absorb. Here is an idea (actually 91 of them) for taking any novel and allowing yourself the time to enjoy and digest the contents your way.
91 Ways to Respond to Literature is a great way to add some depth to any literature assignment, or a book from your personal reading list. You can use this list to give a child who loves to read different ways to express their understanding of the reading, or you can allow a child that does not enjoy reading to see the book in a different way. This is an especially great approach to use with summer reading. Let your child choose 1, 2 3, or more ways to respond to literature.
http://www.angelfire.com/ok/freshenglish/bookreportideas.html
Your child may even come up with a few additional ways to respond to literature that you can add to this list.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Thankful for our educational freedom...
This Thanksgiving I am taking a moment to be thankful for our educational freedoms in this country. In all 50 states, it is legal for me to choose homeschooling. It is also legal for you to make a different educational choice for your children.
I am thankful for the exchange of ideas this freedom and diversity in education brings. In my own family, there are homeschooled, public, private, Waldorf, Montessori, and unschooled students. As we sit around the Thanksgiving table this week, we will all tell how successful our little scholars are in their various school environments. What I hope is that each parent is happy and content in their choices for their children, and appreciate the ability to make that choice.
We all have something to learn from one another. I have been a great resource to the children in my family that are not homeschooled. Likewise, I have learned a lot by scouring their school textbooks, and visiting their classrooms. As informed, open-minded, confident parents this reciprocation of support is welcomed.
Happy Thanksgiving! Learn in Freedom!
I am thankful for the exchange of ideas this freedom and diversity in education brings. In my own family, there are homeschooled, public, private, Waldorf, Montessori, and unschooled students. As we sit around the Thanksgiving table this week, we will all tell how successful our little scholars are in their various school environments. What I hope is that each parent is happy and content in their choices for their children, and appreciate the ability to make that choice.
We all have something to learn from one another. I have been a great resource to the children in my family that are not homeschooled. Likewise, I have learned a lot by scouring their school textbooks, and visiting their classrooms. As informed, open-minded, confident parents this reciprocation of support is welcomed.
Happy Thanksgiving! Learn in Freedom!
Monday, November 10, 2008
Product Review -- Philosphy for Kids
Philosophy for Kids is one of my favorites. I was looking to begin philosophical studies with the kids. The goal was to do it in a fun enjoyable way that didn't seem like yet another school subject. Philosophy for Kids fit the bill. This product has been a great way to introduce the great thinkers of our time. This book also includes modern day philosophers that no other book I looked at included. The questioning technique used fosters a childs sense of wonder and views them as 'natural philosophers'. It is divided into four parts (Values, Knowledge, Reality, Critical Thinking), with a number of questions in each category to explore. Perfect to use as a supplement, the introduction to the book tells you how to use the book in this manner. For fear that I can't do this product justice, I have attached the publisher's description of this book.
Product Description
Inspire animated discussions of questions that concern kids - and all of us - with this innovative, interactive book. Open your students' minds to the wonders of philosophy. Allow them to grapple with the questions philosophers have discussed since the ancient Greeks. Questions include: "Who are your friends?" "Can computers think?" "Can something logical not make sense?" "Can you think about nothing?" Young minds will find the range of 40 questions to be both entertaining and informative. If you have ever wondered about questions like these, you are well on the way to becoming a philosopher!
Philosophy for Kids offers young people (ages 10 and up) the opportunity to become acquainted with the wonders of philosophy. Packed with exciting activities arranged around the topics of Values, Knowledge, Reality, and Critical Thinking, this book can be used individually or by the whole class. Each activity allows kids to increase their understanding of philosophical concepts and issues and enjoy themselves at the same time.
In addition to learning about a challenging subject, students philosophizing in a classroom setting as well as the casual reader of Philosophy for Kids will sharpen the ability to think critically about these and similar questions. Experiencing the enjoyment of philosophical thought enhances a young person’s appreciation for the importance of reasoning throughout the traditional curriculum of subjects.
The book includes activities, teaching tips, a glossary of terms, and suggestions for further reading.
Grades 4-12
About the Author
David A. White has a doctorate in philosophy from the University of Toronto and has taught philosophy in colleges and universities since 1967. He has written eight books and more than 50 articles in philosophy, literary criticism and educational theory. In 1985, he received a fellowship from the American Council of Learned Societies to study the function of myth in Plato’s philosophy. Since 1993, he has taught programs in philosophy for the gifted centers and various magnet schools of the Chicago Public School system, the International Baccalaureate program at Lincoln Park High School in Chicago and Northwestern University’s Center for Talent Development, grades 4–9. Dr. White is an adjunct associate professor in the philosophy department of DePaul University and also teaches for DePaul’s American Studies program. Dr. White is married to a philosopher, Mary Jeanne Larrabee, and has two sons, Daniel and Colin, both of whom, as demonstrated by their advanced knowledge of mathematics and the principles of computer science, are much smarter than he is.
from Amazon.com
Product Reviews -- English from the Roots Up!
Here is a great product that is popular among homeschoolers. This product could be adapted for any child. This product is designed for 2nd grade and up, but I think it could be used with an interested child that is slightly younger. One idea would be to introduce a new word every weekend.
When I was in high school I took a year of Latin. This was not by choice, and I was always looking for proof that my mother had made a grave educational mistake on my behalf. I had plenty of fuel. I hated the teacher, it never made any sense, the other kids in that class don't like me. A new complaint each day. My mother held fast to her position that I would do better on the SAT. I would learn not to give up on things. I would be around the creme of the crop students in my high school. I would be an awesome speller. At the very least, I would thank her later!
Whether it was my bad attitude, or a true lack of ability we will never know, but I have images of that report card with the big fat 'F' emblazoned in my brain. I still fail to see much value in the year I spent in that class. Despite the 'F', I actually learned a few things. But, I couldn't help but wonder if there was an easier, quicker way to get the benefit of Latin without 'attempting' to learn the entire language.
So, there you have my bias.
I had put the whole ordeal out of my mind until I began to homeschool. Latin instruction is big with homeschoolers. I began to pity the little ones who were forced, as I was, to learn Latin. The curriculum vendors at the homeschool fairs were soaking up this trend. I later spoke with a fellow homeschooler about her decision to teach her children Latin. She had the same reasons that my mother had years prior. However, after hearing her kids speak Latin, and learning how it fit into the classical approach to homeschooling, I came to really respect Latin instruction. I was turning into my mom!
Then, at a later curriculum fair, I found an awesome product. English from the Roots Up spoke to me. This approach gives all the benefit of Latin (and Greek) without learning the entire language. It is a powerful punch of the essentials needed to 'decode' the English language, as opposed to a slow language learning approach that may prove daunting for home teacher and student.
I am using English from the Roots Up with all three of my boys. They love it! They really enjoy working on a subject together. I have noticed improved spelling for my 6th grader, awesome standardized test score for my 8th grader, and outstanding clarity in word meaning for my 2nd grader. They can't wait for me to introduce a new Root of the week. I watch them hunting for opportunities in their other subjects to decode the meanings of new words.
The book offers 100 color coded root words(Red=Latin, Green=Greek) with examples of the root in many words. Very soon, you have several roots to link together. My 6th grader described it as building vocabulary houses. For example, when we learned that 'tele' means distant, far away, the kids were excited to point out the many times they have seen this root in their daily lives. But when we learned that 'scope' means to see, the light bulb lit up. 'Telescope', a device used to see things far away! Eureka! Soon there was 'telephoto', 'telephone'... The light bulb moments are too numerous to count these days.
As I said earlier, we introduce a new root word each week. I give prizes when my kids notice the root in their reading, and properly decode a new word. The English from the Roots Up Flash Cards make this approach much easier. I tack the card to the wall so they can see it all week. The cards follow the book exactly with color coded borders to match the language (Latin, or Greek), the root on the front and several examples on the back. I highly recommend purchasing both components.
Judging by my kids success and continued enthusiasm, this product gets an A+. If you are considering full Latin instruction, I highly recommend taking a look at this program first. I wish my mother had!
(also available: English form the Roots Up, Volume 2)
When I was in high school I took a year of Latin. This was not by choice, and I was always looking for proof that my mother had made a grave educational mistake on my behalf. I had plenty of fuel. I hated the teacher, it never made any sense, the other kids in that class don't like me. A new complaint each day. My mother held fast to her position that I would do better on the SAT. I would learn not to give up on things. I would be around the creme of the crop students in my high school. I would be an awesome speller. At the very least, I would thank her later!
Whether it was my bad attitude, or a true lack of ability we will never know, but I have images of that report card with the big fat 'F' emblazoned in my brain. I still fail to see much value in the year I spent in that class. Despite the 'F', I actually learned a few things. But, I couldn't help but wonder if there was an easier, quicker way to get the benefit of Latin without 'attempting' to learn the entire language.
So, there you have my bias.
I had put the whole ordeal out of my mind until I began to homeschool. Latin instruction is big with homeschoolers. I began to pity the little ones who were forced, as I was, to learn Latin. The curriculum vendors at the homeschool fairs were soaking up this trend. I later spoke with a fellow homeschooler about her decision to teach her children Latin. She had the same reasons that my mother had years prior. However, after hearing her kids speak Latin, and learning how it fit into the classical approach to homeschooling, I came to really respect Latin instruction. I was turning into my mom!
Then, at a later curriculum fair, I found an awesome product. English from the Roots Up spoke to me. This approach gives all the benefit of Latin (and Greek) without learning the entire language. It is a powerful punch of the essentials needed to 'decode' the English language, as opposed to a slow language learning approach that may prove daunting for home teacher and student.
I am using English from the Roots Up with all three of my boys. They love it! They really enjoy working on a subject together. I have noticed improved spelling for my 6th grader, awesome standardized test score for my 8th grader, and outstanding clarity in word meaning for my 2nd grader. They can't wait for me to introduce a new Root of the week. I watch them hunting for opportunities in their other subjects to decode the meanings of new words.
The book offers 100 color coded root words(Red=Latin, Green=Greek) with examples of the root in many words. Very soon, you have several roots to link together. My 6th grader described it as building vocabulary houses. For example, when we learned that 'tele' means distant, far away, the kids were excited to point out the many times they have seen this root in their daily lives. But when we learned that 'scope' means to see, the light bulb lit up. 'Telescope', a device used to see things far away! Eureka! Soon there was 'telephoto', 'telephone'... The light bulb moments are too numerous to count these days.
As I said earlier, we introduce a new root word each week. I give prizes when my kids notice the root in their reading, and properly decode a new word. The English from the Roots Up Flash Cards make this approach much easier. I tack the card to the wall so they can see it all week. The cards follow the book exactly with color coded borders to match the language (Latin, or Greek), the root on the front and several examples on the back. I highly recommend purchasing both components.
Judging by my kids success and continued enthusiasm, this product gets an A+. If you are considering full Latin instruction, I highly recommend taking a look at this program first. I wish my mother had!
(also available: English form the Roots Up, Volume 2)
Saturday, November 8, 2008
What makes homeschooling work?
The short answer to this, at least in my home, is teamwork. I know that all parents strive to create an atmosphere where the entire family is working together. What I am referring to here is educational and intellectual teamwork. Many kids don't get to experience this level of collaboration until they are in college or enter the workforce. In the homeschool environment, this seems to come naturally. The ideal homeschool setting fosters independent learning, with the child in the lead.
For many reasons, this becomes difficult in a traditional school setting. Teachers, whose work I greatly admire, are limited by concerns such as class size, administrative deadlines, mandatory curriculum use, some less than enthusiastic students...the list goes on. The focus for parents, needs to then become helping your child become autonomous thinkers that seek out the answers, that create their own bridges over obstacles. This can be difficult when it seems that your main goal is to make sure homework is done. The idea of a homework session stretching into late evening may cause some parents to quickly provide the help needed for completion.
I recently received a statement from admissions at MIT that detailed the admission policy for homeschoolers. This admissions officer pointed out the qualities that, in general, homeschoolers possess that their institution find valuable. Among these things was the independent, mature learners that homeschoolers tend to be. Below, I have outlined some techniques that I use in my homeschool classroom, and some ideas for parents like you.
A typical day for us...
Let's use math, and my oldest son (13 years old)as an example. Unlike traditional teachers, I do not start with instruction. My son's curriculum is written to the student. He grabs his own lesson manual, and reads the objective, lesson, and proceeds with the work on his own. Right from the start, he is learning to be independent. He only comes to me for assistance if a problem arises.
That is when the fun really starts. Math was not my strongest subject in school. So, when he asks for help, I first have to re-read the lesson with him. There are times when I don't know the answers. Honestly, there are time when the information on the page looks like hieroglyphics to me. As a team, my son and I seek out the answers to his problem. I offer guidance in this research process. We utilize the internet, supplemental math books, or a phone call to our curriculum provider. I encourage him try to come up with places to seek answers. Yes, it is always exciting to learn how to do something you have wrestled with. The example here, however, does not just provide the answer to the problem, but turns the student into a knowledge seeker. From beginning to end, the student is in complete control of their successful learning process.
Here are some tips:
Do you know that school textbooks from national publishers has an accompanying website? Many teachers do not have time in the classroom to utilize all the valuable tools these websites provide. Many of your child's questions can be answered by a chapter, or topic related search on these websites. You can obtain this site from information printed on the textbook, or simple ask your child's teacher for the companion website to the text.
When I would get tests back from teachers at school, my mother would require that I correct all wrong answers. Sometimes, I would complain that the answer wasn't in the book, or my teacher didn't mention the information in class. Had I had the internet available to me then, I am sure my mother would have required that I not complain about these items, but hunt for the answers. The research process would have been too time consuming back then, so she let a lot of things slide. Kids these days can quickly find the answers.
While reviewing your child's homework, jot down areas of interest that your child could research. Save these things for summer vacation weekly assignments. If during the school year your child studies photosynthesis, you can re-visit this topic in the summer by introducing related extension ideas. Better yet, tell your child to look up photosynthesis on the internet, and jot down ten things that were not taught during the school year.
The goal here is to create independent thinkers. A truly independent learner knows there is no one to blame for poor grades, and not understanding concepts. The beauty is that the triumphs are theirs to claim as well. Even when your child needs help from you or a teacher, the seeking, finding, and utilizing of this help is the goal.
For many reasons, this becomes difficult in a traditional school setting. Teachers, whose work I greatly admire, are limited by concerns such as class size, administrative deadlines, mandatory curriculum use, some less than enthusiastic students...the list goes on. The focus for parents, needs to then become helping your child become autonomous thinkers that seek out the answers, that create their own bridges over obstacles. This can be difficult when it seems that your main goal is to make sure homework is done. The idea of a homework session stretching into late evening may cause some parents to quickly provide the help needed for completion.
I recently received a statement from admissions at MIT that detailed the admission policy for homeschoolers. This admissions officer pointed out the qualities that, in general, homeschoolers possess that their institution find valuable. Among these things was the independent, mature learners that homeschoolers tend to be. Below, I have outlined some techniques that I use in my homeschool classroom, and some ideas for parents like you.
A typical day for us...
Let's use math, and my oldest son (13 years old)as an example. Unlike traditional teachers, I do not start with instruction. My son's curriculum is written to the student. He grabs his own lesson manual, and reads the objective, lesson, and proceeds with the work on his own. Right from the start, he is learning to be independent. He only comes to me for assistance if a problem arises.
That is when the fun really starts. Math was not my strongest subject in school. So, when he asks for help, I first have to re-read the lesson with him. There are times when I don't know the answers. Honestly, there are time when the information on the page looks like hieroglyphics to me. As a team, my son and I seek out the answers to his problem. I offer guidance in this research process. We utilize the internet, supplemental math books, or a phone call to our curriculum provider. I encourage him try to come up with places to seek answers. Yes, it is always exciting to learn how to do something you have wrestled with. The example here, however, does not just provide the answer to the problem, but turns the student into a knowledge seeker. From beginning to end, the student is in complete control of their successful learning process.
Here are some tips:
Do you know that school textbooks from national publishers has an accompanying website? Many teachers do not have time in the classroom to utilize all the valuable tools these websites provide. Many of your child's questions can be answered by a chapter, or topic related search on these websites. You can obtain this site from information printed on the textbook, or simple ask your child's teacher for the companion website to the text.
When I would get tests back from teachers at school, my mother would require that I correct all wrong answers. Sometimes, I would complain that the answer wasn't in the book, or my teacher didn't mention the information in class. Had I had the internet available to me then, I am sure my mother would have required that I not complain about these items, but hunt for the answers. The research process would have been too time consuming back then, so she let a lot of things slide. Kids these days can quickly find the answers.
While reviewing your child's homework, jot down areas of interest that your child could research. Save these things for summer vacation weekly assignments. If during the school year your child studies photosynthesis, you can re-visit this topic in the summer by introducing related extension ideas. Better yet, tell your child to look up photosynthesis on the internet, and jot down ten things that were not taught during the school year.
The goal here is to create independent thinkers. A truly independent learner knows there is no one to blame for poor grades, and not understanding concepts. The beauty is that the triumphs are theirs to claim as well. Even when your child needs help from you or a teacher, the seeking, finding, and utilizing of this help is the goal.
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