Category Archives: My Family

Current Events Resources

“Oh, you homeschool? Your children won’t know about the real world…” Blah, blah, blah.

As home educators we have a huge advantage when it comes to teaching world events as they unfold. We are not limited to only an occasional news study. We are not tied to a lesson plan that leaves no room to learn about something important happening. Homeschoolers (for the most part) are highly aware of the “real world”.

For our family, world current events always has a part in our weekly studies. Current events lessons can inspire prayer projects, set the stage for discussions/debates, lead to geography/culture studies, and make great essay/report assignments. It’s so very important for all of us to know what’s happening in the world. Even as we “shelter” the children, through current events studies they will gain knowledge of the world. Also, they will understand some of the reasons why we are “sheltering” them.

For record keeping purposes, current events counts towards social studies and will often include other subjects such as reading comprehension, geography, arts, science, history, politics, and religion, too.

This past week I was asked to share some resources for adding current event studies to the homeschooling curriculum. Below are the links to free online current events sites for kids . The ones with the * in front of them are sites that our family frequently uses, the others were recommended by other homeschoolers.

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/

http://learning.blogs.nytimes.com/

http://www.cnn.com/studentnews/

* http://www.timeforkids.com/

* www.studentnewsdaily.com

* http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/news/

* http://www.socialstudiesforkids.com/

* http://www.youngzine.org/

* http://www.dogonews.com/

http://magazines.scholastic.com/

http://news.discovery.com/adventure/tags/kids.htm

http://htekidsnews.com/

K-12 Current Event Resources from the Smithsonian http://tweentribune.com/

Daily News Videos for Kids (You can view without signing up, but sign up is free and you can receive more resources.) http://www.channelone.com/

And here’s a couple of additional links we like to follow with our current event studies. Sometimes we just need some good news or at least know what those of Christian faith are actively doing about the bad news. (Sometimes I choose not to include the younger boys, as the articles can occasionally be mature and graphic.)

* http://www.persecution.com/

* http://www.samaritanspurse.org/

* http://gospelforasia-reports.org/

There’s a few free current event printable worksheets and templates to choose from here (you’ll need an account, but it’s free and a site that will be good to have for resources for any subject or grade level) http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Browse/Search:current+events/Grade-Level/Homeschooler/Price-Range/Free

For updates and articles concerning teaching, parenting, and education, The Native Speaker’s Academy has awesome weekly posts. http://us5.campaign-archive1.com/?u=8fb495371ca5be23e1601ecc0&id=44fb271459&e

Do you have a favorite resource for current event studies? Do you have a neat way your family includes current events into the homeschooling week? Please share in the comments, inquiring minds will want to know!

betty jo

Teaching July

Superstitions

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Because we’ve been having an abundance of craziness and busyness this week, I thought that we wouldn’t “do school” today. But… it’s Friday the 13th!

I’m wowed by the resources and links I have saved up for a study on superstitions do use on a Friday the 13th. Surely we’ll be able to make a little time to learn about superstitions because this stuff is INTERESTING! Below are the sites and resources I found to share with you just in case you can make time for a little superstition too.

Origins of common superstitions explained at Live Science http://www.livescience.com/33507-origins-of-superstitions.html

Behavioral psychology in regards to superstitions discussed from Kids Net Encyclopedia http://encyclopedia.kids.net.au/page/su/Superstition

13 Superstitious Writing Prompts https://cecileswriters.wordpress.com/2012/04/13/superstitious-prompts/

Free Printable “Black Cat” border writing paper https://www.teacherfiles.com/resources_bp_holidays.htm

20 +free superstition worksheets from Busy Teacher (you’ll need an account, but it’s easy to set up) http://busyteacher.org/classroom_activities-vocabulary/superstitions-worksheets/

Common Superstitions and Why We Have Them (article, video, graphics) https://medium.com/ecom-tips/common-superstitions-why-do-we-have-them-b701245e8ca7

Superstition origins video from Mental Floss (this one’s for the older kids) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFyDUaSi-5w

Mathematical Properties of the Number 13 http://www.numbergossip.com/13

To keep this study in the right perspective we’ll include 1 Timothy 4:7 with this study. “People tell silly stories that don’t agree with God’s truth. Don’t follow what these stories teach. But teach yourself to be devoted to God.”

And finally some music, which my kids will consider ancient history, but saying such a thing may bring them some bad luck!

betty jo

Story Telling With Aesop’s Fables

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Today is our first “special day” study of the summer. Aesop! The calendar says June 4 is his birthday, but his history doesn’t have that exact information recorded. Around 620-560 BC was his time. Below are the links that we’re going to follow as we not only learn about Aesop and read his works, but as we practice public speaking and communication through story telling. The project will be to learn an Aesop fable well enough to present it orally. Retelling is an awesome way to check for reading comprehension and concept understanding as well as being a great communication skill.

A brief biography http://www.findingdulcinea.com/features/profiles/a/aesop.html

Aesop quotes that are as relevant today as they were back in his day http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/a/aesop.html

Fables to read with discussion questions and quizzes, activities, and vocabulary glossary http://www.mcwdn.org/fables/fabadult.html

Tips for good story telling

Articles

For an added challenge, I’m going to have the kids retell a lesson they have personally learned by substituting animals as the characters just as Aesop had done. And of course, we’ll add some art to the lesson. Illustrations are a fantastic way to enhance a story. This is my “go to” site for art/drawing instructions when we need a little tutoring, and it seems like they have a good variety of drawing animal instructions if we need it. http://www.dragoart.com/animals-for-kids-c408-1.htm

This is a 24 video collection of animated Aesop fables, because summer studies should always include a movie inside under the air conditioning during the hot afternoon.

For the complete listing of Special Days in June click here Special Days in June, 2018

I plan on participating myself with our Aesop studies. I certainly have a long list of personal lessons learned that could be put into a short story. After all, he did teach that, “Example is the best precept” and “Better wise from the misfortunes of others than by your own”.

betty jo

A New Kid, Birthdays, and Year End Events

It’s Unanimous For Strawberries!

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At the beginning of each month I go through the special days listing, and check off what I think we should add to our studies. I also give the list to the kids and they check off the topics that interest them. (https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2014/04/29/special-days-in-may/). Rarely does a monthly theme interest all of us, but the May food theme, STRAWBERRIES, was unanimous!

This close to the end of our school year, I really won’t have the time to develop our own strawberry study, but can not just ignore the fact that we all want to explore this favorite food. This is where my friend, Fran, comes in! (http://www.franw.com/) She has developed and published an e-book appropriately named Strawberry Craze.

Strawberry Craze is a 91 page study and activity guide. Fran has graciously given me a copy and I’m so excited! It is covers subjects across the curriculum and has something for all ages. She gives the instructions for crafts, gardening, and science experiments. She has included a list of questions for research projects and little known facts and trivia. Strawberry Craze has math, health, and language connections, too. And recipes! Not just a couple of yummy desserts to try, but recipes for lip gloss, scratch-n-sniff stickers, shampoo, and play clay, just to name a few.

Strawberries have been added to the top of my weekend shopping list! And will probably be repeated on every grocery list in between now and when we are able to pick our own from our garden.

Now is the right time to pick up a copy of the e-book for yourself. It’s being offered for only $2! To find out more and take a peek at some sample pages click here http://www.franw.com/2013/09/strawberry-craze-ebook.html

Oh, by the way, Fran gave me Strawberry Craze just because she’s my friend. The e-book gift was not given to me for the purpose of this review. The review and recommendation is completely of my own doing.

betty jo

Easter (and after) Learning Resources

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Though we did a Passion Week study and some arts and crafts as part of our week’s homeschooling lessons, we still have some Easter learning to do!

Here’s some awesome links for free Easter learning resources that we’ll be following throughout the weekend and into the first part of next week.

I’ve got a neighbor family in mind to “egg”. Not like a mean prank like throwing raw, rotten eggs at their house but to “egg” them in a way that will bless them! You can read about this wonderful idea and pick up a free printable to go with your eggs here http://happyhomefairy.com/2013/03/24/youve-been-egged-he-is-risen-style-free-printable/

I printed off this trivia game to test our Easter story knowledge http://www.myjoyfilledlife.com/2014/04/09/printable-easter-story-trivia-game/

We’ll be using this !st Corinthians 15 based article, Why the Resurrection Matters, for a discussion and study guide https://bible.org/seriespage/easter-1993-why-resurrection-matters-1-corinthians-151-19

Playing with food is science with this free “EggSperiment” printable pack (scroll down towards bottom) http://www.parents.com/blogs/homeschool-den/2014/04/14/easter/eggsperiment-brush-your-errr-egg-part-4-of-4/

Eggs lesson plans for K-12 in PDF form http://www.aeb.org/about-aeb/for-educators/

This speed/coordination game is going to be a great use for those leftover plastic eggs http://www.franw.com/2014/04/an-eggcellent-game.html

Great ideas for outdoors egg hunt ideas and games https://www.playpartyplan.com/10-fun-and-creative-easter-egg-hunt/

Virtual tour of a jelly bean factory https://www.jellybelly.com/california-factory-tours#How%20it’s%20Made

A short history lesson about chocolate eggs! And if you look on the left sidebar you can link to an article explaining how hollow chocolate Easter rabbits are made http://recipes.howstuffworks.com/menus/chocolate-egg.htm

Easter themed interactive games http://www.primarygames.com/holidays/easter/games.php

Are your kids asking for a pet bunny? Mine have. The answer is “no”, but they can figure that out for themselves as they investigate just what it takes to raise a rabbit. You’ll also be able to find resources about chicks and ducklings, too. http://animal-world.com/encyclo/critters/rabbits/rabbits.htm

For Easter printable word games, coloring sheets, notebooking paper and more http://activityvillage.co.uk/easter-printables

Since I’ve got you here, I’d like to take this opportunity to invite you to church. Our local church is part of a much bigger church which is available online. You can hear the Easter message at any time during the week that works for you https://www.life.church/easter/

Have a blessed Easter!

betty jo

What Do You Want To Be?

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“What do you want to be when you grow up?” I suppose that all of us were asked that at one time or another. You’ve probably asked a child that question yourself. I’ve asked my kids and this coming up week, I’ll be asking again. According to the Special Days in April list, this coming up week is “Explore Your Career Options Week”.

Below are the online resources that we’ll be using for our homeschooling lessons as we explore careers, the steps it takes to get them, and how much money they are worth.

Bible Verses About Choosing A Career http://www.openbible.info/topics/choosing_a_career

“If $ were no object, what would you like to do?” Good advice on choosing a career in a short video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYNShs6I4HU

Free Online Career Test (higher grades and adults) http://www.yourfreecareertest.com/

Investigate Careers: Description, Education, Pay https://careerkids.com/pages/career-info

Mission Field Careers https://team.org/opportunities

Military Careers http://www.careersinthemilitary.com/

Here’s a look at how various college majors fare in the job market – http://wtop.com/news/2014/04/best-and-worst-college-majors-for-job-demand-pay/

How To Build a Student Resume http://homeschooltipsandresources.blogspot.com/2014/01/the-student-resume-part-2.html

Tips for Writing Your First Resume https://www.thebalancecareers.com/tips-for-writing-your-first-resume-2058744

Job Interview Tips http://money.howstuffworks.com/business/getting-a-job/10-job-interview-tips.htm#page=0

10 Dirty Jobs That Pay Well https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcfobzjjg58

15 Most Dangerous Jobs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_rFSeqFYcc

As homeschooling parents, we have an unique opportunity to encourage our children about their interests, and developing talents. And, as the kids grow and mature, we can provide learning opportunities that are tailored to helping them prepare to use those interests and talents in their future, whether it be college, a vocation, military, ministry, or a just a job. Though the question, “What do you want to be?” is what we may ask, as homeschooling parent’s we have one to ask ourselves too, “How can I help them become what they want to be?”

betty jo

Autism Awareness

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Autism Awareness is one of several themes for the month of April. Today, April 2 is World Autism Awareness Day. It’s the specific day set aside that focuses on education, resources, information, help, and encouragement to those who are effected by autism.

This time last year I wrote about my sweet J! As I reread that post this morning I realized that I had no reason to write another personal account about autism. I still believe that their are blessings in having a child on the “spectrum”. That post can be found here https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2013/04/02/autism-i-am-aware/

Today I asked my almost 11 year old, J , what was one thing that he would like the world to know about him. His answer was, “My mom makes mistakes”! And that is truth. I’ve made thousands of mistakes concerning him and I’m sure there will be thousands more. So many times it’s “trial and error” experimenting to figure out what strategies work with him regarding behavior, home schooling, relationships, therapies, and rules. And some solutions are successful for only a short time before experimenting starts up again.

Wanting a little more insight about possible answers to my question. I asked again, but to moms of autistic kids. These are some of the replies to the question, “What is one thing you would like the world to be aware of about autism and your child?”

“It’s so hard to narrow it down to one thing. There are so many things I wish the world would understand. I guess the biggest thing is he loves deeply and the things that come across as “weird” or “insensitive” or “immature” are just him trying to make sense of an incredibly confusing, overstimulating world that uses irony and sarcasm way too much. In reality, he is incredibly creative, intelligent, and empathetic beyond his years.”

“Mine would be that my son is not trying to be a smartie pants or disrespectful most of the time. He mimics responses like a recorder. Once we tell him what his remark means or comes across like, he wants to know what would be appropriate. Staring off is not ignoring, it is the way he thinks.”

“It is not a lack of discipline!”

“There is no box!”

“I think it is the simple fact that they want people to understand that they are just kids — yes they process things different, yes things that are not a big deal to some kids like tags on clothes is a huge deal to a kid on the spectrum, yes they have their quirks and their moments and their melt downs — however they are kids — they just want friends and not to be looked at like they are aliens and judged harshly —- they feel, they hurt, and they do not need your sympathy they just need your understanding.”

Below are some of my online picks for learning about autism and keeping up to date with current information.

I have a homeschool blogger friend, Sylvia, who shares many autism related articles including her lovely testimony of experiences with her daughter. This link will take you to her blog’s search results for her autism articles. http://www.faithfulmomof9.com/?s=autism&submit=Search

For better understanding of those labeled autistic, this is the most wonderful account I’ve ever seen! http://nhne-pulse.org/carly-fleischmann-autistic-girl-who-used-computer-to-ask-for-help/

This animated video was made by a boy who has autism. This is a great resource to share with our families and friends. http://blog.theautismsite.com/hi-im-david-and-i-have-autism/

And in case you’re interested, this link takes you to an online autism assessment/screening http://www.childbrain.com/pddassess.html

About autism… I’m “Still Learning Something New” daily!

betty jo

April Fool’s Day – Learning Resources

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April Fool’s Day isn’t the type of holiday that warrants a day off from homeschooling lessons. However, it is one of those holidays that can be a homeschooling lesson theme. Here’s some resources for teaching and learning on April Fool’s Day.

History – “As April Fools’ is celebrated in different ways throughout the world, it is unknown exactly how the tradition originated. Some cultures saw it as the first day of spring, celebrating with general merriment and feasting, and certain calendars may consider it the first day of the year. One theory for the terming of an April Fool was that some refused to follow these calendars that recognized April 1st as the first day of the year, which resulted in being called an April Fool.” And more history and information from here http://wilstar.com/holidays/aprilfool.htm

Bible – Study of “the fool” based on Proverbs 26 https://bible.org/seriespage/fool-proverbs-261-11

Language Arts – Worksheets and Word Game Printables http://www.apples4theteacher.com/holidays/april-fools-day/printables/

Science – Videos and Experiments http://www.stevespanglerscience.com/blog/informal-science-education/celebrate-april-fools-day-with-floating-paper-airplanes-three-cup-monty-and-the-dangers-of-dihydrogen-monoxide/

Math – Magic Trick instructions using numbers – http://easycalculation.com/funny/tricks/trick1.php

Yes! I have some googly eyes in the craft box. My kids look in the fridge about 100 times a day (hoping the food selection has changed?) . This will be funny!

Last year we had some fun pranking each other. Here’s the resources we pulled some ideas from. I checked, and it seems the links are still good. https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2013/03/31/foolish-studies/