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.

http://www.spellquizzer.com/?RefAff=HSB162FREE HOMESCHOOL SOFTWARE!!!  HOMESCHOOL CURRICULUM GIVEAWAY!!!  I'm ready to do my first giveaway!  Yeah!!!!  Homeschoolers everywhere are thinking about the coming year and placing orders (or most likely begging and borrowing) for new curriculum.  Here's one I've reviewed, and I like it.  And you can have it for free!!! 

Spellquizzer is a spelling software that takes the frustration out of weekly spelling lists.  This product is excellent not only for homeschoolers, but also public schoolers.  So spread the word to everyone you know who knows a child who is learning to spell. 

Here's how Spellquizzer works:  When the student brings home his list of spelling words on Monday, he or his parent(s) create a new spelling list.  The words are typed in individually, and then recorded individually for playback.  A microphone for recording is highly recommended - although not required.  If a microphone is not used, a clue phrase can be entered to prompt the student as to the requested word.  The student types in the word.  Whether the word is spelled correctly or not, the student is alerted.  He can practice his spelling list independently all week long, and ace his Friday spelling test.

What if the student needs help with words not on the list?  Or a homeschool parent wants to create a unique spelling list?  No problem - just follow the same process, using words of your choice.

Go to Spellquizzer and see the demo for yourself.  Download the free 30 day trial.  You won't need the full 30 days to decide if you want to incorporate this free spelling software into your student's study routine.  Then, come back here to enter the drawing for a free copy of Spellquizzer!  Just add your e:maiil address to the comment section of this post before July 1, 2010.  You will be added to a random drawing, and notified if you are the winner.  You don't have to order it, beg for it, or borrow it!!! It's FREE!!!

NewHomeschoolHelp.com is up . . . . but I can't say it's running.  Take a look, and see if you can give me any ideas.  So far I have favorite curriculums up and a few methods.  I hope to get so much more - even photos!!!   (Duh - this can't possibly be as hard as I'm making it!!!)  Anyway, go take a look and give me some feedback!!

Only 5 days left to win FREE spelling software!!  There are only 5 entries so far, so the odds of winning are excellent!!!  See the free demo of Spellquizzer, and then come back here to enter!

The new website is here!!  New Homeschool Help It's as if a brand new baby has been born into the world.  She is tiny, squished up, and a little bit (dare I say) not very cute yet?  Follow along as her personality develops.  AND  . . . (you know I have to say it!) - post a comment so you can enter the drawing for the FREE Spellquizzer Software!!!

NEW WEBSITE COMING!  Of course, I had a glitch right at the very beginning.  User error . . . Clearly I won't be creating a blog or website about operating computers.  I was told that by tomorrow morning, which is today . . . . 1:00 a.m. is the only time the house is quiet, although there are still a few boys up - and not all of them mine . . . . I should be able to start designing the site.  I can see the site in my head; let's see if I can make it look the same in reality!  Keep your eye out - and don't forget to post a comment to enter the drawing for the free Spellquizzer!