Poll: Why are you considering or why have you chosen homeschooling?

Poll: Why are you considering or why have you chosen homeschooling?

Spellquizzer - Product Review

Remember the giveaway I ran last month? It was for a software product called Spellquizzer. I have been using it with my son now for about a month, and my opinion is formed - I like it!! The son in question has two challenges: English is not his native language, and he has a major reading disability. Spellquizzer met this unique challenge splendidly.

I purchased a cheap microphone at Walmart for around $10. This microphone does not work very well, leaving my recordings a bit hard to understand with a lot of background static. I am sure that someone more computer savvy than me can solve that problem - probably just purchase a better microphone. Nevertheless, my son is able to use the program.

We work on Avko Sequential Spelling each day. Then I record the spelling list onto Spellquizzer by typing the word, recording the word along with a clue sentence, and click "add." Very easy. He can review each list several times until it is mastered; then I can delete the list.

Spellquizzer will hold many lists at one time. He is working on two Avko lists plus one State (United States) list all the time. He has already shown a lot of progress, being able to get 100% of a list correct. That is a HUGE deal for him!!!

With Spellquizzer, you can randomize each list, and also make each word on the list case sensitive. If you do not want to purchase a microphone, you have the option of typing out a clue sentence. There is no need to be on-line to use Spellquizzer. Once the program is downloaded, it stays on the computer to be used at any time.

Spellquizzer is a big hassle-saver for all parents with students who have spelling lists to study. Public school students often bring home a list every Monday, and the family spends time each weeknight reviewing these words. A parent's time can be better spent than reviewing spelling words - that's where Spellquizzer comes in! The parent records the list Monday night, the student practices by themselves all week while the parents meet other obligations - like spending quality time with the children.

I recommend Spellquizzer. If it helped my son with his unique challenges, I am positive it will be a winner in your home, too!

Used Homschool Curriculum

When buying new curriculum for next school year, ALWAYS ask other homeschoolers if you can borrown their's. If not, then ALWAYS try to find the product used. Check out Ebay. In fact, I have some things listed there that might be right for you. Go to advanced search, search by seller, and enter 'egertonfamily.' I have written a little bit about Switched on Schoolhouse. I have a couple of grades for sale on Ebay right now. I also have some of my college texts from last semester. They just might be the same ones you will need for next semester!!!!

WE HAVE A WINNER!!

The drawing for the FREE Spellquizzer software is over, and we have a clear winner.  I used the website http://www.random.org/ to do the drawing.  A couple of e:mail addresses were not included in the draw because the commentors did not leave their address.  I put up a post hoping they would see it, but apparently they did not.  So I went with what I had!  AND THE WINNER IS::::

Misti Chiles

I hope Misit lets us know what she thinks about Spellquizzer. I've been using it and I like it a lot!  Let's get another opinion!

Congratulations, and keep checking back here for new posts, new info on my new website http://www.newhomeschoolhelp.com/ and new giveaways!

Spellquizzer Drawing News

I'm ready to do the draw. However, a couple of you did not leave your e:mail address.  I'd still like to include you.  Shannon and Ryan - can you post your e:mail address???  Tonight?   I'd like to do the draw tomorrow.

Homeschool Co-Op - How to Set It Up

A co-op is simply a group of families that get together on a regular basis to work on educating together. It offers support for the parents, and socialization for the students.

Co-ops Do Not Have To Be Large or Complicated

In fact, small and simple co-ops are often the most effective. Select three to five, like-minded families. While like-minded families are obviously ideal, do not shy away from families who have differences, either. They will bring a fresh perspective to the group. Do not over-complicate the program or the schedule. If it becomes a chore, it will defeat the purpose.

Organization of a Homeschool Co-op

Suppose the co-op will consist of four families sharing two subjects. (History and science are the most adaptable to a group setting.) Consider meeting twice per week, alternating between each family’s home. The host family could be in charge of snacks. The other families’ could rotate between two mothers teaching and one mother entertaining the babies and toddlers.

In this model, each mother would only teach a class two classes in two weeks, and would host once in two weeks. All families bring their own activity supplies, or designate one ‘shopper,’ to whom the others pay their share.

Sample Schedule

                                        Mom 1               Mom 2         Mom 3            Mom 4
 
Week 1 Tuesday            Host                  Science            Babies            History

Week 1 Thursday          History                Host            Science              Babies

Week 2 Tuesday           Babies                History             Host               Science
Week 2 Thursday         Science              Babies              History              Host


Another model might be each family having a permanent assignment for the length of the co-op. For example, Mom 1 might always host, Mom 2 might always teach history, Mom 3 might always teach science, and mom 4 entertains the babies each session.



There is no wrong way for families to operate a homeschool co-op. Whatever model is set up, the students will benefit from the group learning and the parents will benefit from the support.