Homeschool Science Fair

Want to read about homeschooling and science fairs? Click here.

8/28 Rally - Wanna Go?

I so much want to go to Glen Beck's 8/28 Rally, but it just isn't possible for me. Nevertheless, I want everyone to know of my support!!! Get your own 8/28 bumper sticker here.

Homeschool Supply List

I've written a homeschool supply list to be placed in all the stores next to the public school supply lists. Now we are represented!!!! Take a look, and please add to the list!!! This should be great fun! www.newhomeschoolhelp.com

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.

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!

 NEWHOMESCHOOLHELP.COM.   I have my own website!  Well, sort of.  I've purchased the domain, etc. but I haven't designed it yet.  But watch for it!!!  I'm excited!! 

And don't forget to post a comment on the Free Giveaway post so you can enter the contest for the FREE Spellquizzer software.

Homeschool Curriculum: What should you buy? This is the time of year when many families have made the break from public schools for a variety of reasons. They will spend the summer shopping and comparing curriculums. I’ll share some of my favorite homeschool curriculums here.


A word of caution: do not overwhelm your student. You do not have to recreate public school at your kitchen table . . . unless you WANT to. You do not have to present every subject under the sun each semester. So, rule #1 – relax!

For beginning students who have not yet learned to read and write, my favorite curriculum is Explode the Code. I used these consumable workbooks (consumable means the student writes in it, and then it must be replaced for the next students) in our homeschool for many years. I didn’t know about them for my oldest, but my two babies learned to read and write with Explode the Code. When my Russian children joined the family, Explode the Code worked beautifully for my ten-year-old daughter who was learning English for the first time. However, my learning disabled Russian son did not experience the same level of success.

Explode the Code is a very inexpensive series of workbooks, introducing the alphabet on letter at a time. The students learn how to write the letters, the name of the letters, the sounds of the letters, and how they combine to form words. The letters are not introduced in alphabetical order, however; the students are introduced to combinations of letters that make simple words right away. This greatly facilitates the reading process as the students begin reading simple words very early. I started this program with my children at age 5 – but there are NO rules about what age each child should start each subject. Rule #2 – all children develop at different rates . . . and that is OKAY!!

Math-U-See is my favorite math curriculum. I also began this program at age 5, and it worked for us. There is an initial investment, and the student book is consumable, but the rest of the program will be used for all of your students, throughout their mathematic career. Math-U-See can only be purchased new from the Math-U-See website . . . Rule #3 – ALWAYS check used resources before you buy anything new! (I’ll write another post about how to find cheap and used curriculum!)

Math-U-See uses manipulatives to teach basic mathematic concepts. The workbooks are not colorful and are rather boring. Yet they are simple and direct. The creator made DVD’s of himself teaching Math-U-See to a classroom of student, so you do not have to worry about not knowing math yourself – he shows you how to teach it using his methods.

I made the mistake of letting my children talk me into changing our math program to one that had bright, and colorful workbooks. They looked sooo cool! That was a mistake. Once we left Math-U-See I found it very difficult to go back to it for high school subjects. Now we struggle with math, and I very much wish we had stayed with Math-U-See for the duration of our homeschool journey.

Science and history are easily done at any level with library books and independent research. Let the student lead these courses, based on their own interests. Don’t worry that they will never become interested in what you feel is important. Eventually all topics lead to each other.

If you feel it necessary to work a science program for your young students, I recommend you look at Beginnings Publishing. The program was written by a homeschool dad for homeschool students. I like the way the textbooks are written TO the students. There is not a lot of technical science lingo, which makes it easier for student and teacher alike. This is a great program to share with a couple of other families in an informal homeschool co-op setting.  The Colors is the program for 10-12 year olds, which is the youngest group they have written for so far.  However, the Colors has not yet been released.  I recommend waiting for it, using the library and being outside in the meantime.

History: take a look at Story of the World. It is a general overview of world history from the beginning to modern times. It can be read aloud to the child, read by the child, or listened to on CD’s. It has four volumes of reading ‘texts,’ although there is nothing ‘text-like’ about theml. There is also an activity book suggesting ways to bring the history to life. Story of the World can easily be repeated at least twice, if you take one year for each volume, before you move on to higher level history. Remember – not every suggested activity in any activity book is required!! This also is a great program to share with a couple of other families in an informal homeschool co-op setting.

If I could have a do-over, these are the homeschool curriculums I would use with elementary aged children.

FREE Giveaway!!  FREE homeschool product!!  FREE public school product!!  Watch for it . . . . it'll be up as soon as I figure out how to set it up.  This will be my first FREE giveaway, so it should be fun for all of us!!!  By the way, I know what the product is.  I've been approached about doing a product review for someone.  This particular product is suitable for both homeschoolers and public schoolers.  It is inexspensive - it will be FREE for the winner here. Can you guess the product?  Stay tuned . . .

SOCIALIZATION -  People are often concerned that homeschooled children are handicapped when it comes to socializing ‘out in the world.’ Allow me to tell you a story. It is a true story about a homeschooled student that I know very well.


A fifteen-year-old boy went into a restroom in a fast-food restaurant. It was a single-person restroom, and he inadvertently walked in on an elderly man using the toilet. The man used a walker, and had a splint on one hand. The man asked the boy to please help him stand up and also to help him wipe himself off. The boy was naturally very embarrassed and uncertain how to handle this extremely awkward situation. He offered to go out and get one of the man’s friends. The man then asked if the boy could just help him stand, he would attempt to use his other hand to take care of himself. This sweet boy did what he could to assist this man without embarrassing him or exhibiting his own embarrassment. Shortly thereafter, the wife of the man came in and took over the situation.

This young, homeschooled boy handled an adult situation with the grace and dignity of an adult. Had he been raised in the age-segregated environment of a public school, would he have been able to handle this situation as maturely as he did? I suppose we will never know. I suppose there are also teenagers who have been raised in public school who could have and would handled the same situation the same way. My point in relating this true story is this: Homeschooled children socialize out in ‘the real world’ just fine.

Summer Homeschool: Do we or don’t we? I ask myself this every spring. By this time of the year, I’m feeling inadequate because I’m reviewing all the things I could have or should have introduced to my children, but haven’t. I recall all the days we didn’t ‘do’ school: basketball games and tournaments, sick days, travel days, Mom-is-tired days, service days, we-don’t-feel-like-it days . . . . Then I convince myself that since homeschooling only really needs a few hours a day, there is plenty of time for my children to do school and still enjoy the regular summer activities. Finally, I gather my sweet students, and logically explain to them my conclusions. To my amazement, they are not able to follow the logic. “But Mooooommmmmm, it’s Suummmmer!” “But children, you hardly spend any time at all on school as it is. You will have plenty of time to swim, climb trees, work on summer jobs, and sit around doing nothing!” “But Moooommmmmm, it’s Summmmmerr!” What is a homeschool parent to do?



Why should we not continue our homeschool program throughout the summer? The best argument I can find, while I’m embarrassed to admit it, is what the kids say – It’s Summer! As a public schooler, I always had summers off when I was their age. I remember those last few days of school, when the classroom was unusually hot, the first day I wore shorts to school, cleaning out the desks. It was a fun transition. I also remember the last few weeks of summer, when I couldn’t hardly wait to go back to school: The new wardrobe, the fresh notebooks, the supply of pens and pencils. The disappointment when I failed yet again to persuade my mother to buy me the 64-count Crayola Crayon box, but pleased that I was able to negotiate up to the 32–count box.

Another terrific excuse for not homeschooling during the summer is rather selfish. It’s something I can take off my plate for a while, one less thing to stress about. Summer is a time for me to re-group, complete unfinished projects, plan next year’s course of study and set unrealistic and unattainable goals for our homeschool.

Why should we continue homeschooling throughout the summer?  There are many unscheduled hours that we must use to fill our students' head with useless trivia to prevent ourselves feelings of guilt.  The neighbors, grandparents, and other homeschool families are impressed with our academic commitment and diligence.  It gives the children something to do when it's too hot but you feel negligent if you let them watch television.  (Is it my imagination, or am I talking myself out of continuing our school during the summer?)  I really cannot come up with a good reason other than why not?  I don't think I'll be able to motivate my students with that reasoning.  So what will this family do this summer?


Ideally, we will spend the first four hours of every day studying, exploring and being thrilled and excited with the learning process.  Spiritual food first: personal scripture reading and prayer, working on our individual church motivational projects and lookings for ways to serve family members.  Next on the schedule will be household maintenance and advance food preparation for the evening meal.  When these chores are completed, the children will eagerly begin their assignments for school.  After they finish the assigned reading plus a little more, they will work on a hands-on activity to bring the reading to life.  Of course they will share their enthusiasm with their siblings, and if friends call, they will ask me to take a message because they don't want to be interrupted.  The rest of the day will be spent swimming, hiking, working at summer jobs, and cleaning up the yard together.  (I can hardly wait!)

Realistically, we will continue to sleep in.  I will hope they have a spiritual side, household maintenance will occur eventually, and we'll manage to throw something together for dinner.  I will urge them to work on school, they will protest, I will insist, they will resist, and one of us will end up throwing up our hands and giving in.  Usually that will be me, but occasionally it will be them and I'll feel good that day that they probably put something in their heads.  Then we will all go to the pool for the afternoon.

So, is summer homeschooling essential?  I don't think so.  Is it a good thing?  Absolutely.  Is it a hill worth dying for?  Probably not.  Have a great summer!!!!!

Bittersweet Kindergarten . . . . it's that time of year again!  I hear it every spring during school registration and then every fall as the first day of school approaches.  "I can't believe he's old enough to go to school.  He's still my baby!"  "I'm not ready to let her go!" "I wish I had more time at home with her."  What if he likes his teacher more than he likes me?"

I was no different when my first baby turned five years old.  I cried real tears.  I wasn't ready.  I had waited so long for him and I wanted more time with him.  Those around me expressed sympathy and even empathy, but remarked that it just had to be.  Kids have to go to school.  One simple question, in response to that statement, began my homeschool journey:  "Why do kids have to go to school?  Why?  Why at age five?  Why in August?  Why all day, five days a week?  Why can't parents be more invovled in the classroom education?  Why does someone else have the right to raise my child?"

The answer to those questions surpise most people.  The answer is simple:  they don't HAVE to.  The maximum age for compulsory school attendance varies from state to state.  The age was eight in the state I lived in at the time.  Everyone around me was convinced it was six!  Why?  Just because everyone else sent their kids at age six.  It was a tradition that had become an expectation.  Kindergarten aged children do not HAVE to attend class all day.  Remember half-day kindergarten?  It used to be the norm.  When I had foster children in kindergarten, I only sent them half a day.  I had to fuss with the administration, and the teacher was not happy, but I thought it best for a child that age to be nurtured within the family structure.  That particular teacher deliberately arranged her class schedule so the morning, which was when my daughter went, was filled with boring academics.  The afternoon was for fun, and the teacher made sure my daughter knew that every lunchtime when I picked her up.  "But Mommy," she would say, "Why can't I stay to play with playdough?"  Needless to say, we made our own playdough as a family, and we had a great time!  I found it disturbing how the government school (public schools are funded by the governmnet, hence the term 'government school') worked to manipulate my child to influence her away from the family.  (On a side note, check out the book "Government Nannies.")

If you are feeling pressured to send your child to school before you are ready, take a step back.  You do not have to follow the crowd like a sheep.  There are many other options.  Wait a year.  Or two.  Homeschool for a year or two, and then enroll them in public school.  Keep them home, just playing (I recommend reading "A Thomas Jefferson Education") and then homeschool more formally when they are older.  You can homeschool any way you want.  See previous postings to this blog.  Do a google search for homeschooling.  Start asking around and you will find homeschoolers in your area to talk to.  If, after you have stepped back and considered other options, you still want to enroll your child in Kindergarten, you will be much more confident in that decision, because it will truly be, YOUR DECISION!