Mr. Gallon

For those who have a hard time remembering what how many pints are in a quart, or cups in a gallon (even the *adults*, ahem)....

I present you with Mr. Gallon!!!

This an easy craft, that is a simple educational tool. Enjoy!

(source)

The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine

To Test or Not to Test?

Apr. 15, 2009

Greetings!

When I first began homeschooling, I was surprised that in my state, homeschoolers aren't required to do any kind of testing.

I wondered how in the world parents would KNOW that their children were performing at grade level.Oh, how my opinion has changed over the years.
Although I have had my boys take some practice standardized tests just for the experience, I've never had them do any official testing.

Up to this point, it just hasn't seemed like a valuable use of our time.

As a public school teacher, I realized very quickly that standardized tests actually reflected more on the students' test-taking abilities (and how well the teacher had taught to the test) than how much the student had actually learned.

Little things like the tests using different terminology than the classroom curriculum, would cause students to miss questions on skills that I knew that they had mastered. It was very frustrating for both teacher and student.
And as a homeschool mom, I know it would be the same.

I'm thankful that in my state we don't HAVE to spend weeks preparing for and administering standardized tests.

I see my children's work and progress every day. I know how they are performing based on the things I'm teaching.

I don't need a standardized test to tell me that.
I know, however, that some of you live in states where standardized testing is required and that some homeschoolers opt to do standardized testing even if it isn't required.

If your child is going to be taking a standardized test, help to make it as non-threatening as possible.

Practice for the tests together.

Give him some special test-taking pencils to make it a special treat.

Make sure that your child is well-rested and ready for the big day.

Do your best to make it a positive experience.

Your child will appreciate the support, and it's another opportunity to make memories together. Enjoy every minute!

THM Editor

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Have a Blessed Day & Kiss your kids for me!

Workboxing

My sister-in-law just tipped me off to this idea yesterday and I plan on buying the e-book. I think this might be great help with the little ones in our family, especially when we come home with Dorothy and I want to have a stream of ready activities for Lael while I continue homeschooling the older kids and holding and bonding with the newest family member.

Without reading the details outlined in the e-book, I gather it is a system for organizing individual assignments or activities in a way that your child begins to self-initiate their learning, taking responsibility for what needs to be done. Since the parent prepares the boxes the night before, it also eliminates disinterest on the part of the student while they wait for the next activity or task to be ready for their participation (no gathering art supplies, no fumbling for the right worksheet, no decision time over which puzzle... all while the child wanders off to the next room).

A quick Google of "workbox homeschool" turns up a number of homeschoolers who have implemented this system and offered their feedback and photos of how they're using the tips.

If you currently use this system, I'd be interested in hearing your comments!

Scrabble Apple

OKay I heard of the Banana Gram from a friend of mine and she really likes it. I did not find it but I did find the Scrabble Apple ($7 at Wal-Mart). So today it was so beautiful outside we did her spelling list with the scrabble tiles - it was fun! Harder than I thought it would be. But just another fun way to do spelling - which is NOT my strongest subject!! I am so grateful for spell check :-)

It was such a beautiful day in the neighborhood we HAD to be outside!!! I know now you are singing the Mr. Roger's song too - aren't you!!! tee hee hee

One of My FAV.'s

CHECK OUT REE'S
Homeschooling Section
if you haven't already.

I love it.

LOVE IT!!!!


http://thepioneerwoman.com/

I hope everyone has some sunny weather this weekend.

Tomorrow in Mississippi........a high of 80.

We are going to the zoo.

Andrea

Math Memorization

Our oldest is doing multiplication in the 3rd grade. He is a master of understanding the concept of multiplication, but struggles with memorization for having the facts "at the ready". We use Math U See math curriculum, and I find it great, but was looking for additional information/tips/techniques and came across this teaching tutorial. I could see it just as easily used for addition, the other commutative math principle.

LOC!!!

Not homeschool related....but definitely HOME related:


We just got the call that we have our LOC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

On day 100!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! julia.