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!

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.

Homeschool Laminating

There are times when you want something to last extra long.  A chart.  Flash cards.  The cover of a folder.

Yes, you can drive to the nearest copy shop and have something laminated.  But, I usually save myself the trip and do it myself with shelf paper.  I have a roll of clear adhesive shelf paper that works perfectly fine for most applications and it has lasted me a couple of years.

Sandwich any item you need laminated between two sheets of the clear sticky paper (adhesive sides *in*) and you've got a water-repellant, wipeable, sturdy bit of paper.

Art

Wow, look at all the animals on the beach! Isn't this the most amazing little drawing?
Alaina (age 5) learned how to draw these cute little pictures by studying this wonderful little art book that was a gift from Grandma. It gives step by step instructions on how to draw. Alaina has amazed us with her ability to draw these pictures.

Fun Spelling Site

Hi Ya'll!
I wish I could say I had anything to do with this but alas I did not. However I know you will have fun. My children have truly enjoyed it. It is called www.SpellingCity.com You can put in your own spelling list or use the ones they have. They have games for the kids to play while learning their spelling words. Check it out!

Election

Good Morning Ladies!
Happy FRIDAY!!!
With the election just around the corner. I was wondering if anyone has any ideas or suggestions on what they are using to help their children learn about the government and election process. I am really trying to NOT push my views on the kids but allow them to question and make their own observations. That is really difficult! Anyway, just wanted to know if anyone else is doing anything with their school regarding the election. Thanks for any help.

AM I Crazy???

Okay I know I'm a little crazy and that's okay. But I feel like a crazy person. How long does your school day last? And during your school day do the children do housework? I just feel like school is their job but so many families have their children do housework as well. During the summer, when school is out, they have housework but not during the months of Sept - May. What are the benefits of having them do housework? We are just so busy I don't know where to squeeze in one more thing? Thanks for any wisdom you can offer.

Scheduling Tip

When there is a whole day of subjects to touch on, how do you combat the feeling that you are trudging slowly toward the finish line?  Parents and students, alike, have trouble staying motivated without wasting time when it seems that the tasks don't end.

Here is the tip that has helped me the most:

Establish time frames to work within, and do not go over the time limit.  If I allot 15 minutes for handwriting practice and my son finishes early, I give him the extra minutes to goof off.  Conversely, if he is still not done at the end of 15 minutes, then I consider it "home work".  Truly it's all "homework" when you homeschool, but this designation means that when we are done with everything for the day, he still has to go back and complete the unfinished assignments.  I believe it benefits my kids to know that there will be an end to the job and that there is also a reward for staying focused and finishing early.  

A timer or a clock is helpful, depending on your child's ability to tell time.  Talking about the why behind these time limits with our children helps them understand scheduling and budgeting of time ("if I stay on task now, I'll have more play time later and no homework").

Of course, if you consistently find that your child has "homework", you will want to address whether your time frame estimates are realistic, or if there are roadblocks to success in that particular subject (ie. if math takes a long time, does the child need to bone up on basic facts again?).